In a major crackdown on corruption in educational institutions, Odisha Vigilance today arrested the former in‑charge principal of Dutika Sahu Colleg at Laida, under Rengali block in Sambalpur district, in connection with financial misappropriation of public funds amounting Rs 73.44 lakh.
The accused, Basanta Kumar Naik, currently works as a lecturer in Political Science at the same institution.
According to a statement issued by the Odisha Vigilance, Naik was arrested in connection with the financial misappropriation of the public funds during his tenure spanning the financial years 2019-20 to 2024-25.
Following the arrest, he was forwarded to the Court of Special Judge, Vigilance in Sambalpur.
During investigation by Odisha Vigilance, Naik was found to have 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, the Vigilance stated.
In connection with the case, Sambalpur Vigilance Police Station registered case number 13/26 against Naik under Sections 13(2) and 13(1)(a) of the Prevention of Corruption Act and Sections 316(5) and 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023.
The department said the alleged misappropriation involved public funds amounting to Rs 73,44,950 during the period from 2019‑20 to 2024‑25.
In another corruption case, a Vigilance court in Kendujhar district sentenced Sangram Pattnaik, currently posted as Senior Clerk at Capital Hospital in Bhubaneswar, to two years of rigorous imprisonment.
He was conviction of misappropriation of GPF refund amount of health workers during the year 1999 to 2003 while serving as Junior Clerk at Padmapur Community Health Centre in Kendujhar
The funds were allegedly deducted from health workers’ salaries but not remitted to the Accountant General (AG), Odisha, Bhubaneswar.
He was convicted by Special Judge, Vigilance in Kendujhar and sentenced to undergo rigorous imprisonment for a period of 2 years and fine.
The Vigilance said it would move the competent authority for appropriate action against Pattnaik under service rules. Steps would also be taken to dismiss him from government service in view of his conviction.
