Pune, 28 June 2025: Advocate Kaustubh Patil has alleged massive financial irregularities amounting to nearly ₹300 crore at Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU). Speaking at a press conference, he presented a set of official documents to support his claims and called for an independent inquiry into the matter.

According to Patil, Vijay Dhawale, a third-grade permanent inspector in the university’s Real Estate Department, approved bills worth crores of rupees with the help of the executive engineer. He claimed this was done in complete violation of university service rules, as Dhawale was given additional charge of the executive engineer’s post, which is a first-grade position, a move Patil called illegal.

Patil questioned the appointment process and asked how such a major financial responsibility could be handled by someone without the required authority. “Who backed this appointment, and how were such large transactions carried out in violation of rules?” he asked, while demanding action against those responsible and a full investigation by the university administration.

Patil also pointed out that on March 1, 2023, an official named Pardeshi was appointed as the executive engineer of the Real Estate Department. As per government rules, Dhawale’s additional charge should have ended at that point. However, Dhawale continued in the position until March 2025. During this period, despite lacking official powers, he allegedly issued tenders, approved payments, and managed official correspondence, approving bills worth ₹90 to ₹95 lakh every year, adding up to around ₹300 crore over three years.

In response, Vijay Dhawale has denied all allegations. “Those accusing me seem to know more than I do. I challenge them to prove their claims,” he said, rejecting the charges and issuing a public challenge to his critics. Advocate Patil, meanwhile, said he plans to file complaints with the Accountant General and the Economic Offences Wing, and also move the High Court with a petition seeking legal action.