Nagpur: Serious questions are being raised over the functioning of Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University after a controversial proposal surfaced to appoint Assistant Professor Dharmesh Dhawankar as Head of the Department (HoD) of Mass Communication, despite past findings linking him to an alleged extortion racket within the university.
The move has triggered outrage in academic and administrative circles, with insiders questioning how an individual once accused of exploiting the system could now be elevated to a position of authority instead of facing strict disciplinary action.
Gold Rate
Apr 21 2026 - Time 10.30Hrs
Allegations that shook the university
Dhawankar had earlier been accused of extorting more than Rs 15 lakh from at least seven Heads of Departments by allegedly threatening them with fabricated sexual harassment complaints in the names of female students. The explosive allegations, which surfaced in November 2022, sent shockwaves across the university campus and raised serious concerns about misuse of sensitive grievance mechanisms.
Under mounting pressure, the university administration placed him on compulsory leave and constituted an inquiry committee headed by a retired judge to probe the matter. Sources indicate that the inquiry found him guilty in the extortion case, yet no decisive punitive action followed.
After remaining on compulsory leave for 21 months, Dhawankar quietly resumed duties in October 2024. His return itself drew criticism, but the fresh proposal to elevate him as HoD has intensified the controversy.
Adding to the unease, Dhawankar reportedly received over Rs 21 lakh in salary during his prolonged absence, a payout made from the university’s General Fund. This revelation had earlier sparked heated confrontations within the university senate, exposing deep divisions between the administration and elected members.
Beyond the extortion case, Dhawankar also faces allegations of blackmail linked to PhD-related matters, further clouding his record.
Administration under fire
Critics argue that the university’s failure to act decisively at the right time has emboldened such situations. “He faced serious allegations from the beginning and was even found guilty in an extortion case. The administration’s inaction has led to this crisis,” said Senate member Advocate Manmohan Vajpayee.
On the other hand, Vice-Chancellor Dr. Manali Kshirsagar defended the move, citing administrative compulsions. “The Mass Communication Department is facing a shortage of full-time faculty, and he is currently the only available professor. Despite past inquiries, he continues in service, and there are directives from the Governor’s Office to develop the department,” she stated.
Bigger questions on accountability
The episode has once again put the spotlight on governance and accountability within RTMNU. With serious allegations, a reported guilty finding, and no visible punishment, the proposed elevation of Dhawankar raises uncomfortable questions:
Can institutions afford to overlook misconduct in the name of administrative necessity?
And what message does it send to faculty, students, and the larger academic community?
As the controversy deepens, the university administration faces mounting pressure to justify its stance, or reconsider a decision that many believe undermines the very integrity of the institution.
