A state government-funded research project in Madhya Pradesh (MP), India, intended to explore cancer treatments using cow products, is under investigation following allegations of misused funds. The probe centers around the Nanaji Deshmukh Veterinary Science University in Jabalpur and a project launched in 2011 aimed at researching the efficacy of "Panchgavya"—a traditional preparation of cow dung, cow urine, and dairy products—in treating serious diseases like cancer.
The state government sanctioned Rs 3.5 crore for the "Panchgavya" research project. However, instead of the funds being used for research purposes, a probe has revealed they were allegedly spent on cars, air travel, and overpriced equipment. The investigation was initiated by Jabalpur district collector Raghvendra Singh, who formed a two-member committee led by additional collector R S Marawi, in response to complaints about the misuse of research funds.
According to Marawi, a preliminary review of the documents indicated that the allocated research money was spent on activities unrelated to the project. Approximately Rs 3 lakh was spent on air travel, but there was no documentation to support that these trips were related to the research. Furthermore, the investigation found that a car was purchased using research funds, and nearly Rs 15 lakh was spent on vehicle repairs, petrol, and diesel.
The committee also discovered that almost Rs 1.75 crore was spent on raw materials and machines, which were allegedly bought at inflated prices. Investigators stated that approximately Rs 1.92 crore was spent on basic materials, including cow dung, cow urine, storage vessels, raw materials and machinery, while these items should have cost Rs 15-20 lakh at prevailing market rates. Additionally, around Rs 15 lakh was spent on furniture and electronic items, and nearly Rs 5 lakh was allocated to other miscellaneous expenses, all from the research fund. The investigation also alleges that vehicles which were allegedly purchased were missing.
Marawi also highlighted gaps in the project’s implementation, noting that some training was supposed to be given to farmers, but there was no record of what training was given. The university's vice-chancellor, Mandeep Sharma, stated that the research program concluded in 2018 and that the technical and financial records were approved at the time. Sharma added that the university is compiling details of the project and will share the information officially with the media.
The inquiry report has been submitted to the collector, and further action is pending at the administrative level. The investigation is ongoing.
