Connecting the dots in KLEF-NAAC scam, say investigating officials

CBI officials, who busted a sensational bribe-for-ratings scam involving the Guntur-based Koneru Lakshmaiah Education Foundation and officials of the National Assessment and Accreditation Council, are gathering evidence on purchase of gold, laptops and other electronic gadgets offered to the accused team members as bribe. The inspection committee of National Assessment and Accreditation Council allegedly colluded with the KLEF management for giving A++ Grade to the university for the next five years. The seven-member inspection committee including its chairman Samarendra Nath Saha, member coordinator Rajeev Sijariya, and committee members D. Gopal, Rajesh Singh Pawar, Manas Kumar Mishra, Gayatri Devaraja and Bulu Maharana allegedly accepted bribe for giving a favourable report to KLEF. Saradhi Varma and others, who offered the bribe, reportedly asked the NAAC team to give 3.65 points and above so that the university would retain its A++ Grade, the CBI officials said.