Bengaluru: A major controversy has surfaced at the Bengaluru campus of GITAM University, where a suspected drug-related case involving nearly 21–22 students has come to light, raising serious questions over institutional accountability and the transparency of the investigation.
According to information accessed by Aryavarth Express, the matter first emerged following a study and preliminary action by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), during which ganja, suspected MDMA powder, cigarette remnants and other contraband substances were allegedly recovered from the cabin of the university’s Navin Bajpai security head. Despite the gravity of the seizure, the NCB subsequently transferred the investigation to the Doddaballapur rural Police Station.
However, developments since then have triggered concerns over an apparent lack of transparency and visible action. When contacted, the university administration reportedly denied knowledge of the incident. Vijay Gejji, the Director of the Bengaluru campus is said to have stated that he was unaware of any such case. Even after photographic and documentary evidence was presented, the administration allegedly declined to offer any clarification or official response.
Efforts to obtain details from the Doddaballapur police also yielded limited information, with officials stating only that the investigation is ongoing. Notably, no arrests, custodial questioning, or formal interrogations have been confirmed so far, despite the reported recovery of narcotics.
Sources further claim that the students allegedly involved were issued warnings and allowed to go after submitting written apology statements, rather than being subjected to formal legal proceedings. If confirmed, this approach stands in stark contrast to standard law enforcement practice, where even small quantities of narcotics typically result in detention and prosecution.
Attempts by Aryavarth Express to seek clarification from the Vice-Chancellor Prof. Errol Dsouza of GITAM University reportedly went unanswered, with emails and written queries receiving no response.
The episode has sparked wider questions about whether the matter was internally managed to prevent reputational damage, and whether officials within the university and among investigating agencies failed to act decisively. Observers point out that thousands of students study at the campus, many at a formative age, and any failure to act firmly against drug-related activity could have serious implications for student safety and the academic environment.
In light of the allegations, there are growing calls for a high-level, independent inquiry not only into the university’s role, but also into the conduct of all authorities involved. The case, if left unresolved, risks setting a troubling precedent for how drug-related offences within educational institutions are handled.
