Allegations of Academic Fraud and Nepotism Rock Tripura University Again, Whistleblower Seeks Urgent Inquiry Into Assistant Professor Appointment
By Our Correspondent
Agartala, December 5, 2025
A major controversy has erupted at Tripura University (A Central University) following a whistleblower’s detailed complaint alleging academic fraud, dual enrolment violations, misuse of public funds, and nepotism in the appointment of Dr. Abhirupa Roy as Assistant Professor (SC Category) in the Department of Tourism Administration.
According to the complaint, the matter represents a grave breach of academic integrity, UGC regulations, and institutional ethics. The whistleblower has urged the University administration to launch an immediate, independent, and time-bound investigation.
The complainant states that Dr. Abhirupa Roy was admitted to the PhD programme in Management in June 2021 under the supervision of Assistant Professor Dr. Manish Das. At the time, the University’s PhD Regulation 2016, aligned with UGC rules, mandated that all PhD scholars must maintain full-time research commitment, prohibiting simultaneous enrolment in any other academic programme in regular, distance, or online mode.
Despite this regulation, the whistleblower claims that Dr Roy allegedly pursued a Master of Tourism and Travel Management (MTTM) degree from IGNOU (Enrolment No. 2000646930) during the same period of her full-time PhD tenure. The complaint describes this as a flagrant violation of the non-concurrent enrollment clause.
The complaint further alleges that Dr Roy had availed and withdrawn the UGC Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), a scholarship specifically meant for full-time research scholars.
The whistleblower argues that receiving JRF funds while simultaneously pursuing another degree amounts to material misrepresentation and potential financial fraud involving public money.
One of the most serious claims in the complaint is the allegation of nepotism, involving Professor Chinmoy Roy, Department of Commerce, who has been functioning as Controller of Examinations-In-Charge since late 2019.
The complainant alleges that Professor Roy facilitated various stages of his daughter Dr Abhirupa Roy’s academic and professional journey—from securing admission in IGNOU, to obtaining a PhD seat at Tripura University, and ultimately her appointment as Assistant Professor. The complaint describes Dr Roy as a classic case of a NEPO-KID rehabilitated through misuse of administrative authority.
The whistleblower warns that if the allegations are found valid, the PhD degree itself may be considered academically compromised and liable for cancellation. Consequently, the Assistant Professor appointment, based on allegedly tainted qualifications, could also be rendered invalid.
The complaint asserts that this has deprived deserving SC category candidates who complied with all academic rules. It further claims that the episode sends a deeply harmful message about transparency and fairness within the University.
The whistleblower has also warned that if no action is taken within 15 days, the matter will be escalated to higher authorities for justice and intervention.
As of now, Tripura University has not issued any official statement regarding the allegations. The matter has stirred significant concern among academic circles, with calls growing for a transparent inquiry to safeguard the credibility of the institution.
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