Mangaluru: The National Institute of Technology Karnataka (NITK), Surathkal, has temporarily closed all three of its accounts offices after critical financial documents were reportedly erased from their digital systems.
An internal investigation has been launched, with forensic analysts and IT experts brought in to determine whether the deletion was accidental or deliberate. According to reliable sources, the missing data includes vital financial records from the institute’s accounting software—raising serious concerns, especially as these files reportedly lacked proper backup.
A spokesperson from NITK issued a statement calling the issue a “recent technical disruption” linked to a server issue in select administrative sections. However, insiders suggest the situation is far more serious, affecting salary disbursements, construction-related payments, and general financial operations.
Anonymous staff members revealed that the problem emerged last week and involved documents related to employee payroll, contractor billing, and ongoing infrastructure projects. Contractors have already experienced payment delays, and faculty salaries may also be affected in the coming days.
In response, the institute has reassigned several staff members from the accounts section to different departments, prompting speculation about possible accountability measures. A senior professor remarked that the absence of file backups was alarming, and the data may be permanently lost.
Forensic teams began their examination on Tuesday. Sources confirmed that all employees associated with the accounts division, both permanent and temporary, are being questioned as part of the inquiry.
Dr. Mohit P Tahiliani, in charge of the Central Computer Center, insisted that the servers are functioning normally. Attempts to contact Director Prof. B Ravi were unsuccessful.
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