A government-funded research initiative in Madhya Pradesh aimed at studying Panchgavya as a potential treatment for serious diseases including cancer is under administrative scrutiny after allegations of financial irregularities. The probe concerns spending decisions and documentation related to the project at Nanaji Deshmukh Veterinary Science University in Jabalpur.
The Panchgavya research project was proposed in 2011 with an estimated budget of approximately ₹8 crore but received state approval for ₹3.5 crore in sanctioned funds. The project sought to investigate therapeutic claims associated with Panchgavya, a traditional mixture involving cow dung, cow urine and dairy-based derivatives, for conditions including cancer and tuberculosis.
A formal complaint about the project’s financial conduct led the Divisional Commissioner to direct an inquiry. The Collector then appointed a probe team headed by an Additional Collector to examine expenditure records and project activities.
The investigation report highlights several areas of concern about funds spent between 2011 and 2018. According to the findings, the project ledger shows approximately ₹1.92 crore spent on items such as cow dung, cow urine, storage vessels, raw materials and machinery. Investigators indicated that actual market costs for these materials would likely have been significantly lower, suggesting a discrepancy with the reported expenditures.
The probe also examined travel expenditures, noting that researchers undertook 23 to 24 flights to cities including Goa, Bengaluru, Mumbai and Hyderabad. The inquiry questioned whether these trips were necessary for the approved research objectives. Records show the purchase of a vehicle valued around ₹7.5 lakh, fuel and maintenance costs exceeding ₹7.5 lakh, labour payments of roughly ₹3.5 lakh and nearly ₹15 lakh on furniture and electronic equipment. The report described these expenses as unrelated or non-essential to the core research aims.
Despite nearly a decade of activity, the probe stated that the project had not produced scientifically validated evidence that Panchgavya can treat cancer or other serious diseases.
Additional Collector Raghuvar Maravi noted that portions of spending were outside the original sanctioned plan and that some activities, such as farmer training, lacked clear documentation in project files submitted for review. The probe team’s report has been forwarded to the Collector and is now awaiting further decisions by the Divisional Commissioner.
Officials at Nanaji Deshmukh Veterinary Science University have denied allegations of financial misconduct. The university’s Registrar, Dr. S. S. Tomar, stated that all purchases and expenditures followed government rules, tender procedures and that required audits and certificates were submitted. The university also noted that training for youth and farmers continues under the Panchgavya initiative.
At present no formal legal case has been filed, and the matter remains under administrative review pending any further action based on the investigation’s outcomes.
(Rh/MSM)
