In the latest twist to the ongoing controversy surrounding Loyola College, Social Activist & YouTuber Maridhas has leveled fresh accusations against the Jesuit run Institution for incorporating a company in Dubai ‘Loyola Alumni Events LLC‘ to facilitate international money transfers. He also exposed the framework for a sophisticated money laundering network through their alumni chapters globally. It is also alleged that Loyola College had spent a lavish amount of money just to fly out the entire management of Chennai & Madurai Jesuit Province.
This comes on the heels of a legal notice sent by actor Vijay’s uncle, Xavier Britto, to Maridhas over a video linking Loyola College’s funds to Britto and his film production activities. The video alleged that funds meant for educational purposes in the Loyola College Society were diverted into private ventures, including Britto’s film productions featuring actor Vijay. Britto has denied these allegations, calling them defamatory, while Loyola College has maintained silence on the matter so far.
Maridhas’ video provides additional details on how funds have been severely misused for personal gain. Maridhas further stated that the legal notice he received from Britto did not refute the allegations he made but was simply a demand to refrain from using Britto’s name, image, and the name of his company. However, this legal notice seems to have opened a can of worms.
Dubai’s Alumni Event
Loyola College, which is already registered under a society and legally able to receive foreign contributions through regular channels, has raised suspicions after it registered a new company in Dubai. It is alleged that despite the fact that the Loyola Society Fund is eligible for tax exemptions granted by the government, this new move appears questionable. Additionally, allegations that a recent event, held under the banner of “Loyola Alumni Event LLC,” raised between ₹100 crores to ₹150 crores with the claim of using the funds to help elevate the college to university status, have also been raised. However, is alleged that the college is facing significant problems, including the closure of several courses, and thus is unlikely to be granted university status.
Adding to the suspicion, it is alleged that shortly after Vijay launched his own political party, there was a sudden increase in the number of international alumni chapters across various countries. These chapters, which supposedly serve to raise funds for the college, are seen as potentially being part of a larger effort to collect money through channels not directly governed by the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA), thereby evading scrutiny from authorities. While these activities may appear legitimate on the surface, it is alleged they could be part of a strategy to circumvent regulations and avoid further investigation into the flow of funds.
It is also alleged that those who believe they are donating to the Loyola College Society Fund, or the Alumni Fund are being misled as the two funds are entirely separate. The government has officially recognized the Loyola College Society Fund, providing tax exemptions for donations made to it, with the understanding that these funds are intended for research-related activities. However, it is alleged that instead of being used for research, the funds are being diverted for administrative purposes, and in some cases, misappropriated through embezzlement. This raises serious concerns about the transparency and proper use of the funds.
Interestingly, there is a strict bylaw requiring the Loyola College Society Fund and the Alumni Fund to be maintained separately, yet this regulation is not being followed. The Alumni Fund, which is registered as an independent entity, has the authority to send or allocate funds as it deems fit. It is alleged that there are claims of numerous international alumni chapters, particularly those in India and one in Kerala, are being set up primarily to collect funds from international contributors. These chapters, they argue, are largely limited to specific districts in Tamil Nadu, and are being used to funnel money from abroad under the guise of supporting the college.
Such accusations have even come from former pastors and administrators who have worked within the system and have expressed similar concerns. For example, 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 the college misappropriated several crores of rupees received as research funds from the University Grant Commission (UGC).
It is suggested that there is a need for closer scrutiny of Christian missionary activities, particularly in relation to financial oversight by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) and other auditing bodies. One can take the example of CARE India Solutions for Sustainable Development (CISSD), a non-profit organization focused on improving the lives of women and girls from marginalized communities in India. The question raised is why CISSD felt the need to contribute ₹41 lakh to Loyola College, especially when their stated mission is unrelated to educational institutions like Loyola.
Maridhas, however, has doubled down on his claims, stating, “The time has come to amend the Loyola administration. Soon they will be caught in the hands of the Enforcement Directorate.” He also issued a cautionary note to donors, urging them to be vigilant as legal scrutiny looms large over the institution.
விஜய் மாமா சேவியர் அனுப்பிய வக்கில் நோட்டீஸ்க்கு நேற்றய வீடியோ தெளிவான பதில் கொடுத்திருக்கும் என நம்புகிறேன்.
இன்னும் எவர் எவருக்கு வக்கில் நோட்டீஸ் அனுப்பணுமோ அனுப்பி வைங்க.. இன்னும் பல பூதங்களை கிளப்ப காத்திருக்கிறோம்.
ஆனா ஒன்னு லயோலா நிர்வாகத்தை திருத்த வேண்டிய நேரம்…
— Maridhas (@MaridhasAnswers) November 26, 2024
These allegations have sparked widespread outrage, with critics questioning the transparency of the institution’s financial dealings. Loyola College, known for its Jesuit values and academic excellence, is now under the scanner as calls grow louder for accountability and legal action.
As enforcement authorities are rumored to be stepping in, this unfolding saga could have far-reaching consequences for the college and its administration.
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