A controversial research project at Nanaji Deshmukh Veterinary Science University in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, studying the potential use of cow dung and related substances to treat serious illnesses such as cancer, has come under official scrutiny for alleged financial irregularities. The project, which began in 2011, had received funding from the Madhya Pradesh government to explore the medicinal applications of Panchagavya, a mixture of cow dung, cow urine, milk, curd, and ghee, considered sacred in certain traditional Indian practices.

The controversy comes more than a decade after the inception of the research, as investigators examine whether the funds allocated to the project were spent responsibly. Originally, the university had requested ₹8 crore from the state government to carry out the research. However, only ₹3.5 crore was sanctioned for the project. Despite the smaller allocation, questions have been raised over the expenditure patterns, as the decade-long research has reportedly produced no conclusive results.

The Research Project and Its Objectives

The Panchagavya-based research was initiated with the objective of exploring alternative therapies for serious illnesses such as cancer, with the hope of developing a treatment using cow-derived products. The project included procurement of raw materials like cow dung and cow urine, as well as laboratory equipment and machinery intended for experimentation and analysis.

According to project proposals submitted at the time, the research was also intended to provide training to farmers, teaching them how to prepare and use Panchagavya formulations in agriculture and possibly for therapeutic purposes. This aspect was seen as an additional benefit, allowing local farmers to engage with scientific experimentation while promoting traditional knowledge systems.

Despite these stated goals, the research has faced criticism for its lack of tangible outcomes. After over a decade, no verified cure or treatment using Panchagavya for cancer or other serious illnesses has emerged, raising questions about the scientific rigor of the project.

Triggering of the Probe

The investigation into the project was initiated following a formal complaint received by the Jabalpur district administration. The complaint raised concerns about the expenditure of government funds on a project that had not demonstrated significant results, prompting administrative scrutiny. Subsequently, Jabalpur’s divisional commissionerformed a probe team led by Additional Collector Raghuvar Maravi to examine the project’s finances, procurement practices, and overall management.

A report prepared by the investigation team has now been submitted to the Collector of Jabalpur, revealing several irregularities and expenditures that appear disproportionate to the actual requirements of the project.

Findings of the Probe

The probe report, as cited by NDTV and The Indian Express, described several “shocking” findings regarding the financial management of the project. Between 2011 and 2018, a total of ₹1.92 crore was reportedly spent on materials such as cow dung, cow urine, pots, raw materials, and machines—items that, according to market estimates, should not have cost more than ₹15–20 lakh.

In addition, the investigation highlighted expenditures that appeared unrelated to the core objectives of the research. The university reportedly spent funds on multiple air trips to cities including Goa and Bengaluru, ostensibly in the name of project research. Furthermore, a car worth ₹7.5 lakh was purchased, although this was not included in the original budget. Expenses for fuel and maintenance of the vehicle reportedly totaled another ₹7.5 lakh. The report also flagged spending of approximately ₹3.5 lakh on labor and ₹15 lakh on tables and electronic items, which the probe concluded were unnecessary for the research project.

Investigators noted that while training for farmers was part of the original plan, the report did not specify whether such training had actually been provided, leaving questions about the project’s implementation and outreach.

According to Additional Collector Maravi, “Instructions for investigation were received from the Collector. The university had requested ₹8 crore under the Panchagavya scheme, and ₹3.5 crore was sanctioned. Some training was also to be given to the farmers, but it was not mentioned what training was given. Research was to be done in Panchagavya for the treatment of serious diseases like cancer.”

University’s Response

The university has strongly denied any wrongdoing. Registrar Dr. S.S. Tomar defended the institution, asserting that all purchases and expenditures were made in accordance with government rules and through open tenders. “The Panchagavya project has been running since 2012. All purchases, whether machines or vehicles, were made through open tenders. Government rules have been followed and there has been no scam,” he told NDTV.

Tomar added that audits had been conducted regularly, certificates submitted, and investigators provided with all required documentation. “An investigation committee came, and we provided all the documents; no facts were hidden. This project was worth ₹3.5 crore, and we are still providing training to the youth and farmers,” he stated.

Public and Scientific Reaction

The revelations from the probe have elicited strong reactions from the scientific community and media observers. Many have questioned the rationale behind investing significant government funds in a decade-long project with no verifiable results. Critics argue that while traditional knowledge and Panchagavya-based practices may hold cultural significance, scientific research must follow rigorous methodologies, yield measurable outcomes, and justify the allocation of public funds.

Analysts have also highlighted that the purchase of vehicles, electronic items, and luxury travel appears inconsistent with the stated objectives of laboratory-based cancer research. The issue has raised broader concerns about accountability, fund management, and transparency in government-funded research projects, particularly those involving alternative or traditional medicine.

Next Steps

The probe report is expected to be reviewed by the divisional commissioner, who will determine the subsequent course of action. Possible outcomes may include administrative inquiries, financial audits, and recommendations for corrective measures. Depending on the findings, further actions could range from recovery of misused funds to potential disciplinary action against responsible officials.

Meanwhile, the Panchagavya project continues to be cited as an example of the tension between traditional knowledge systems and modern scientific research methodologies in India. While proponents of Panchagavya advocate its medicinal and agricultural benefits, critics argue that large-scale government funding must be accompanied by measurable results, transparency, and accountability.

Conclusion

The Madhya Pradesh government-funded Panchagavya research project at Nanaji Deshmukh Veterinary Science University has now become a subject of controversy over alleged financial mismanagement and lack of tangible scientific outcomes. Funded at ₹3.5 crore despite a requested budget of ₹8 crore, the decade-long project has drawn scrutiny for expenditures far exceeding market costs for basic materials, unnecessary travel, vehicle purchase, and other non-essential items.

While the university maintains that all procedures were transparent and within rules, the probe underscores the need for stricter oversight of government-funded research, especially projects that blend traditional knowledge with scientific experimentation. The outcome of the investigation may have implications not only for the Panchagavya project but also for future research initiatives at state-funded institutions, reinforcing the importance of accountability, transparency, and measurable results in the use of public funds.