Bhubaneswar: In a major crackdown on corruption in educational institutions, Odisha Vigilance on Wednesday arrested a former college in-charge principal for alleged misappropriation of public funds to the tune of Rs 73.45 lakh.
The accused, identified as Dr Basanta Kumar Naik, is a former In-charge principal and present lecturer in Political Science at Dutika Sahu College in Laida under Rengali Block of Sambalpur district.
He was arrested in connection with misappropriation of public funds amounting to Rs 73,44,950 during his tenure spanning the financial years 2019-20 to 2024-25. He was subsequently forwarded to the Court of Special Judge, Vigilance, Sambalpur.
During investigation, Vigilance found that Naik had siphoned off funds allocated for college infrastructure works without executing physical development on the ground.
Other charges include false billing and non-receipt of institutional equipment against sanctioned funds. Further, there was diversion of government grants under the pretext of automation and digital management software implementation.
A case has been registered against Naik and investigation is in progress.