A Madhya Pradesh government-funded research initiative, which hoped to develop cancer treatment using traditional cow-based preparations, has become embroiled in controversy after allegations emerged of financial irregularities and questionable spending patterns spanning nearly a decade.
The project, launched in 2011 at Nanaji Deshmukh Veterinary Science University in Jabalpur, centred on Panchagavya – a traditional preparation combining cow dung, cow urine, and dairy products – as a potential treatment for serious illnesses, including cancer. While university officials initially proposed funding of approximately Rs 8 crore, the state government sanctioned Rs 3.5 crore for the research endeavour.
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Following a formal complaint received by district authorities, the Divisional Commissioner ordered an examination of the project’s implementation. The DC subsequently established an investigation team headed by an Additional Collector to scrutinise the spending patterns and outcomes of the long-running initiative.
The investigation team’s findings, now submitted to the Collector, have put under scrutiny the financial management and scientific productivity of the project. According to sources familiar with the report, investigators identified expenditures that appeared substantially inflated compared to market rates and included items seemingly unrelated to the approved research objectives.
Cow dung, urine, raw material cost nearly Rs 2 crore
The investigation alleges that between 2011 and 2018, approximately Rs 1.92 crore was spent on basic materials, including cow dung, cow urine, storage vessels, raw materials and machinery – items investigators claim should have cost Rs 15-20 lakh at prevailing market rates. The university team undertook 23 to 24 air trips to various cities for research purposes, though the investigation questions the necessity and propriety of such travel.
Additional questionable expenditures cited in the report include the purchase of a vehicle valued at approximately Rs 7.5 lakh, which investigators say was not included in the original sanctioned estimate. The project also recorded spending of over Rs 7.5 lakh on fuel and vehicle maintenance, roughly Rs 3.5 lakh on labour payments, and around Rs 15 lakh on furniture and electronic equipment, all of which the investigation characterised as non-essential for the stated research goals.
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Additional Collector Raghuvar Maravi explained the circumstances that prompted the investigation. “Instructions for investigation were received from the Collector. The university had requested Rs 8 crore under the Panchagavya scheme, and Rs 3.5 crore was sanctioned,” Maravi stated. He noted that documents provided during the inquiry revealed purchases not included in the approved estimate, particularly vehicles and extensive travel expenses.
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Gaps in implementation of project
Maravi highlighted gaps in the project’s implementation. “Some training was also to be given to the farmers, but it was not mentioned what training was given. Research was to be done in Panchagavya for the treatment of serious diseases like cancer,” he said, adding that a comprehensive report has been submitted to the Collector for further action.
“Our investigation found the vehicles which were allegedly purchased were missing; there was also no mention of the trips taken in their estimate,” he said.
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University rejects misappropriation allegations
University officials have rejected all allegations of impropriety, maintaining that every aspect of the project followed established government procurement procedures and financial regulations. Registrar Dr S S Tomar defended the university’s conduct, stating that the Panchagavya project has operated since 2012 with complete transparency and adherence to rules.
“All purchases, whether machines or vehicles, were made through open tenders. Government rules have been followed; there has been no scam,” Dr Tomar said. He said that the university underwent proper auditing and provided all required certificates to the authorities. “An investigation committee came, and we provided all the documents; no facts were hidden,” he said.
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Dr Tomar also stressed the project’s ongoing work with rural communities. “This project was worth Rs 3.5 crore. We are still providing training to the youth and farmers,” he said, suggesting that the initiative continues to serve its intended beneficiaries despite the controversy.
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The investigation report will now be forwarded by the Collector to the Divisional Commissioner, who will review the findings and determine what further action may be warranted.
