New Delhi, July 1 (IANS): Dinesh Khattar took over as the officiating principal of Delhi University's Kirori Mal College on Wednesday following S.P. Gupta's removal from the post by the college's governing body.

"I was told about the decision today (Wednesday) morning and have taken charge," Khattar, who is with the mathematics department, told IANS.

He, however, refused to answer any further questions.

The decision to remove Gupta was taken at a meeting of the governing body on Tuesday night following allegations of misappropriation of funds granted by the University Grants Commission (UGC) to conduct the national eligibility test (NET) in 2012-13.

A governing body member told IANS that the decision was taken based on the UGC report and other documents, which were in public domain.

"He (Gupta) has been given three months to explain himself and his account. It is only after that will the governing body take a decision. However, until then he will continue to work (in the department of commerce)," the member said.