In 2003, the Supreme Court of India took a decisive step by banning a widespread practice that had become deeply ingrained in private colleges across the country. This practice involved the collection of exorbitant capitation fees from students, creating a well-oiled system that capitalized on their aspirations for education.
However, despite the landmark ruling by the Supreme Court, it appears that little has changed in the two decades that followed. Recently, an explosive interview on the Pesu Thamizha Pesu YouTube channel shed light on a shocking admission scandal. Mr. Lawrence D Cruz, a former staff of Loyola College in Chennai, came forward as a whistleblower, revealing an alleged nexus between certain members of the Loyola Alumni Association and the college management.
On April 20th, 2023 the management of Loyola College posted on their Facebook page a legal note.
The legal note clearly says “Your application will be summarily rejected, if we find any involvement of 3rd Party for admission with Money and donation.”
Contrary to the public perception, the management of Loyola College has allegedly been involved in the collection of lakhs of rupees from students, with Mr. Balamurugan, the Secretary of the Loyola Alumni Association, reportedly operating as a full time admission broker.
In a no-holds barred explosive interview Mr. Lawrence details the entire admission process and even shares a conversation audio clip allegedly between him and another alumnus Mr. Maijo Joseph.
He also raised concerns about the apparent silence of the Alumni Association leadership, including Mr. Dr. G. Vishwanathan, Mr. M.A. Jacob, Mr. George Cherian, and Mr. Xavier Britto, regarding the various scams and scandals that have been reported within the association throughout the years. He questioned their lack of response and expressed utter disgust with their apparent inaction.
Allegations of irregularities in the admission process at Loyola College and the involvement of Mr. Balamurugan as an admission broker have been raised by multiple alumni and members of the teaching and non-teaching staff over the years, with no reported action taken against him or his associates by the management. The Commune has obtained a copy of an email dated March 3rd, 2022, sent by Mr. Lawrence to several individuals associated with the institution, in which he extensively exposes the alleged criminal activities of Mr. Balamurugan.
In the email he appeals to the management of Loyola College, Chennai to stop harassing him mentally, as he is suffering from suicidal tendencies. He also reiterated that he would not hesitate to hand over this note to the media as he strongly felt his life is in danger.
It is also pertinant to note that Rev. Fr. Albert Muthumalai, S.J., who served as Principal of Loyola College, Chennai, for two consecutive terms from 2004 to 2010, claimed in his book “IRAI SIRAGUGALIL KANINTHA SILUVAIGAL,” which he wrote and published, that many individuals profited from admission to such an extent that they were able to construct their own houses.
Click here to subscribe to The Commune on Telegram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.