Loyola College, a prestigious Jesuit institution in Chennai, is embroiled in serious allegations of financial misconduct, academic fraud, and systemic corruption, according to a detailed indictment submitted to the Jesuit Curia in Rome by R. Joseph D’ Kennedy, Indian Representative of Ending Clergy Abuse (ECA) Global and an alumnus of the college.
Acceptance Of CSR Funds From Accused Money Launderer
In August 2025, Loyola College publicly accepted a ₹1 crore donation from the Martin Charitable Trust, the corporate social responsibility (CSR) arm of Santiago Martin’s lottery empire. Martin is currently under investigation by India’s Enforcement Directorate (ED) for fraud, lottery manipulation, and money laundering, with assets worth hundreds of crores already seized.
The donation, intended for building four classrooms, has drawn sharp criticism for legitimizing what Kennedy describes as “blood money.” He equated accepting funds from Martin to taking money from Dawood Ibrahim, India’s most wanted terrorist, stating that both represent “wealth built on the wreckage of human lives.”
Legal experts note that CSR donations from tainted sources are not protected under philanthropic pretexts. The Ministry of Corporate Affairs and the Enforcement Directorate have jurisdiction to act against institutions receiving such funds if they are linked to illicit activities.
Academic Fraud Exposed By University Inspection
A surprise inspection by the University of Madras revealed shocking violations in Loyola’s M.A. Philosophy programme:
- No students were present during inspection, suggesting the programme may not exist on campus or is operated fraudulently elsewhere.
- Faculty listed for the programme do not meet University Grants Commission (UGC) qualifications, with some fraudulently shown as “full-time” at both Loyola and Satya Nilayam Research Institute.
- The college failed to follow Tamil Nadu’s Rule of Reservation, violating state law.
- No dedicated classrooms, library, or departmental facilities were found.
The National Human Rights Commission has issued notices to the UGC and University of Madras Registrar, seeking an Action Taken Report within four weeks. A UGC committee conducted further inspections on August 13-14, 2025, underscoring the seriousness of the violations.
Questionable Spending And Offshore Company
During Loyola’s centennial celebrations, the college management allegedly flew an entire group of Jesuits to Dubai for what Kennedy characterizes as “needless extravagance.” This lavish spending occurred while the college was allegedly charging students tuition and application fees far exceeding government norms.
Additionally, the college established “Loyola Alumni Events LLC” in Dubai under the guise of an event management company. The website for this entity (loyolaalumnievents.com) was reportedly taken down after the Enforcement Directorate was alerted, raising suspicions of a deliberate cover-up.
Alumni Association Corruption And Historical Failures
Kennedy alleged that the Loyola Alumni Association has been “hijacked by entrenched, morally bankrupt individuals” who have maintained leadership positions for over a decade. He claims to have warned the Jesuit Superior General about these issues as early as 2019 during the Global Clergy Abuse Summit in Rome.
The Association Director allegedly wastes money on foreign trips to meet only 4-5 people, while the organization functions like a cartel with the same executives clinging to power.
Obfuscation In Clergy Death Investigation
The mysterious death of a Canadian priest, Father Omala, on Loyola’s campus has further damaged the institution’s credibility. Instead of transparency, Loyola’s ambiguous response provoked political outrage and calls for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe.
Systemic Failure And Call For Action
Kennedy’s report concluded that Jesuit governance in Chennai has shown “systemic corruption and arrogance” and is incapable of reform. He urged the Jesuit Curia to appoint leadership from outside the province to realign Loyola with Jesuit mission values.
The allegations come against the backdrop of Loyola’s failed 2022 bid for university status, which Kennedy had warned would be “extremely suicidal for India as a nation and the Christian faithful.”
The Jesuit Curia has been called upon to direct Loyola College to immediately return the ₹1 crore donation, issue a public statement disassociating from such donations, and adopt clear protocols to prevent similar compromises in the future. Failure to act, Kennedy warns, could invite government intervention and criminal liability, irreparably damaging the moral and institutional credibility of the Society of Jesus.
Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.
