Vigilance Crackdown / Odisha Vigilance Arrests Ex-Principal for Rs73 Lakh Misappropriation

Sambalpur, Aug 26: Odisha Vigilance on Wednesday arrested Dr. Basanta Kumar Naik, former In-charge Principal and current Lecturer in Political Science at Dutika Sahu College, Laida, under Rengali Block, Sambalpur district for allegedly siphoning govt funds, officials said.

Today, Dr. Basanta Kr Naik, Ex-I/C Principal, Dutika Sahu College, Laida, Rengali, #Sambalpur was arrested by #Odisha #Vigilance & sent to jail for siphoning govt funds over Rs 73 Lakh meant for College infrastructure, automation & digital mgt software without corresponding work.

— Odisha Vigilance (@OdishaVigilance) August 26, 2026

According to the Vigilance Deprtment, Dr. Naik has been accused of misappropriating government funds amounting to Rs73,44,950 during his tenure between 2019–20 and 2024–25. He was produced before the Court of the Special Judge, Vigilance, Sambalpur following his arrest.

Investigators revealed that Dr. Naik siphoned off funds allocated for college infrastructure projects without executing physical development. Allegations also include false billing, diversion of sanctioned grants, and non-receipt of institutional equipment. Vigilance officials further noted irregularities under the pretext of automation and digital management software implementation.

The case has been registered as Sambalpur Vigilance PS Case No. 13/2026 under relevant provisions of the Prevention of Corruption laws and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023.

Officials said the arrest underscores Vigilance’s intensified drive against corruption in educational institutions, where misuse of funds directly impacts students and infrastructure. The investigation continues, with authorities examining whether additional assets or accomplices are linked to the misappropriation.
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The Vigilance Directorate has reiterated its appeal to citizens to report instances of financial irregularities, assuring strict action against those found guilty.

This arrest adds to a series of recent actions by Odisha Vigilance targeting corruption in schools and colleges, highlighting systemic vulnerabilities in fund management and the need for stronger accountability mechanisms in the education sector.