A team constituted by the district administration of Ropar today reached Sri Dasmesh Academy, a prestigious residential school in Anandpur Sahib, to initiate investigation into serious allegations against the institution’s administration and suspected financial irregularities.The action follows directions issued by Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains on February 4. The minister had taken cognisance of multiple written complaints submitted directly to him by members of the academy’s staff. The complaints allege misuse of authority, abusive conduct towards teachers and employees, and several administrative lapses.The minister had also ordered verification of the authenticity of the principal’s PhD degree.As part of the probe, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) was formed by the Deputy Commissioner, Ropar. A team comprising SHO Danishveer Singh, Neeraj Kumar, Principal of Government Girls Senior Secondary School, Anandpur Sahib, and Naib Tehsildar Sunita Khilnan, visited the academy premises today.SHO Danishveer Singh said the SIT had sought several key documents related to the functioning of the academy. “An official communication has been handed over to the concerned authorities today. They have been asked to present the required academic, administrative and financial records before the SIT at the earliest,” he said.The inquiry has assumed significance as Sri Dasmesh Academy is a prestigious residential institution functioning on nearly 180 acres of government-allotted land in Anandpur Sahib. The academy is managed by a trust, with Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann serving as its ex-officio chairman.Harjot Singh Bains wrote to the Punjab Chief Secretary seeking a comprehensive investigation and a special audit into the academy’s affairs. He directed that a detailed report be submitted within 30 days.The Punjab Police have been asked to verify the academic credentials of the principal, particularly the authenticity of her PhD degree. Officials said all relevant academic records and certificates would be scrutinised as part of the verification process.In recent years, concerns have been raised by sections of parents and staff regarding declining infrastructure standards and lack of transparency in administration. Officials indicated that the special audit would include a thorough examination of account books, trust records, expenditure patterns and property-related documents.The authorities have maintained that strict action will be taken if any wrongdoing is established.