MP: Research To Find Cancer Cure Using Cow Products Ends Up In Public Fund Misuse, Here's What University Said

A fresh case of alleged financial irregularities has come under scanner in Madhya Pradesh over the spending pattern in a public funded research to develop cancer treatment using cow-based preparations.

The research, funded by the government, was being carried out in Nanaji Deshmukh Veterinary Science University in Jabalpur. 

What was the project?

In 2011, a project was launched at Nanaji Deshmukh Veterinary Science University. The study was based on Panchagavya's use as a remedy to cure cancer. Panchatavya, a Sanskrit term formed by 'panch' means five and 'gavya' means cow products. It is a traditional preparation by mixing cow milk, its clarified butter, cow dung, cow urine and curd.

The study was centred around finding a potential treatment for serious illness, including cancer.

Initially, a demand of Rs 8 crore was made for the project but the government approved only Rs 3.5 crore.

How the controversy started

A formal complaint was lodged with the Jabalpur district authorities regarding spending patterns, prompting an investigation ordered by the Divisional Commissioner.

ALSO READ: Hapur: Several Injured After Two Communities Clash, Pelt Stones Over Minor Dispute; Heavy Police Force Deployed

The DC formed a probe panel headed by ADC to scrutinise financial management.

The investigation reportedly identified inflated spendings compared to market rates, sparking a controversy. The money was allegedly spent on some items, which were not related to the research or its objective.

What did probe yield?

The probe team has submitted its report to the DC, which allegedly found that from 2011 to 2018, money to the tune of about Rs 1.92 crore was spent on materials like cow dung, cow urine, storage vessels, machinery and raw materials.

The price seemed inflated as all of it should have cost up to Rs 25 lakh according to market rates.

The necessity of about 24 air travel by the university research team is also under question. Allegedly, the research team also purchased a vehicle worth Rs 7.5 lakh which was not mentioned in the original sanctioned estimate.

On top of that, a same amount was also spent on fuel and maintenance of the vehicle.

While Rs 3.5 lakh was spent on labour payment, Rs 15 lakh was spent on electronic equipment and furniture. The probe teams has found all furniture and equipment expenditure to be non-essential for research.

ALSO READ: Which Indian State Was Once Called The ‘Land Of Cows’ And Is Now Famous For Beaches And Party Culture?

What did university say?

The university officials, however, refuted the allegations of impropriety, arguing that every established government procurement procedures and financial regulations were followed. University Registrar Dr SS Tomar said that the Panchagavya project adhered with the rules and operated with complete transparency.