Surathkal police register FIR against two NITK faculty members for allegedly submitting fake NCC duty documents and claiming Rs 13.51 lakh in reimbursements.
FIR registered after internal enquiry
Surathkal police have registered a case against two faculty members of the National Institute of Technology Karnataka (NITK), Surathkal, for allegedly submitting fake NCC duty documents to claim reimbursement for travel, accommodation and other expenses. The alleged fraudulent claims resulted in a loss of Rs 13.51 lakh to the institute, according to the FIR.
Authorities have identified the accused as Dr P Sam Johnson and Dr H Sivananda Nayaka, both Associate NCC Officers of the 2 Kar Engr Coy NCC (Army Wing) unit at NITK. NITK registered the case after conducting a preliminary enquiry into suspected irregularities in the expense claims submitted by the two faculty members.
Alleged use of fabricated NCC documents
According to the FIR, the accused allegedly submitted fabricated Detailment Orders, Attendance Certificates and other documents to show that they had attended various NCC camps and duties between April 2023 and May 2026. Based on these documents, they allegedly claimed and received reimbursement towards TA/DA, accommodation and travel expenses.
The preliminary enquiry reportedly found discrepancies in some of the claims. When investigators examined the railway and air tickets and hotel bookings submitted in support of the claims, they found that some of the travel and accommodation bookings had been cancelled, even though the accused had allegedly claimed and received reimbursement.
Specific camps and claimed amounts
The FIR cites several NCC camps and duties in connection with the alleged irregularities. In one instance, the accused allegedly claimed Rs 1,18,593 each towards TA/DA and accommodation for a Pre-Thal Sainik Camp-II that the organisers showed as held in Bengaluru from June 28 to July 7, 2025.
The complaint further alleges that the accused acted in concert and used false documents to draw funds earmarked for NCC activities under the institute’s Board of Governors’ head. According to the FIR, Dr P Sam Johnson allegedly received Rs 12.32 lakh, while Dr H Sivananda Nayaka allegedly received Rs 1.18 lakh through the disputed claims, taking the total amount to Rs 13.51 lakh.
Legal provisions invoked
The case has been registered under Sections 316(2), 336(3), 316(5), 318(4) and 340 read with Section 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023. These provisions relate to criminal breach of trust by public servants, cheating, forgery and using forged documents as genuine.
Surathkal police registered the FIR on the basis of a complaint lodged by NITK Director B. Ravi following the preliminary enquiry. The police have taken up further investigation into the allegations and the documents and claims submitted by the accused.
Custody and judicial process
City Police Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy said that the police have booked a case of breach of trust by public servants against the two faculty members of NIT Surathkal on the complaint of NIT officials. “They were taken to custody and will be produced before a magistrate,” he said.
He added that NITK found out about the misappropriation during its internal enquiry and filed a complaint to take criminal action against the two as per law. The investigation will examine the authenticity of the Detailment Orders, Attendance Certificates, travel tickets and hotel bookings submitted by the accused.
NCC structure and reimbursement norms
At NITK, the 2 Kar Engr Coy NCC (Army Wing) unit operates under the broader NCC framework, with Associate NCC Officers drawn from faculty members. These officers participate in camps, training programmes and administrative duties, and can claim TA/DA and other expenses as per institute and NCC norms.
Reimbursements typically require valid Detailment Orders, attendance proof and original travel and accommodation documents. The alleged submission of fabricated documents and claims for cancelled bookings, if proven, would represent a serious violation of these norms and of public trust.
Institutional response and governance implications
NITK’s decision to conduct a preliminary enquiry and then file a police complaint signals a zero-tolerance approach to financial irregularities. As an Institute of National Importance, NITK receives substantial public funding and must maintain high standards of accountability and transparency.
The case also highlights the need for robust internal controls over expense claims, including cross-verification of travel bookings, attendance records and camp schedules. Strengthening audit mechanisms and digitising claim processing can reduce opportunities for fraud and improve detection.
Broader context of accountability in higher education
Incidents of alleged financial misconduct in premier institutions can erode public confidence and damage institutional reputation. They also underscore the importance of ethical conduct among faculty and staff, especially those handling public funds or occupying positions of responsibility.
At the same time, due process must be followed, and the accused must receive a fair investigation and trial. The outcome of the case will depend on the evidence collected by police and the findings of the judicial process.
Potential disciplinary and administrative actions
Apart from criminal proceedings, NITK can initiate internal disciplinary action under its service rules and conduct regulations. If the allegations are substantiated, the institute may impose penalties ranging from suspension to dismissal, along with recovery of the alleged misappropriated amount.
The institute may also review its NCC-related financial processes, clarify reimbursement guidelines and conduct awareness sessions for faculty and staff on ethical claim submission and documentation requirements.
Looking ahead
As the investigation proceeds, NITK and the NCC directorate can use this case to strengthen oversight mechanisms and prevent similar incidents. Transparent communication with the campus community and timely action can help restore trust and reinforce a culture of integrity.
The case also serves as a reminder to all public institutions to maintain rigorous checks on expense claims, especially in areas involving travel, camps and field duties where verification can be challenging.
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