Bhubaneswar, August 26: In a major crackdown on corruption in educational institutions, the Odisha Vigilance on Wednesday arrested Dr. Basanta Kumar Naik, a Lecturer at Dutika Sahu College in Laida under Rengali Block of Sambalpur district, in connection with the financial misappropriation of public funds amounting to Rs 73,44,950.

The accused committed the fraud during his tenure In-charge Principal of the Dutika Sahu College spanning the financial years 2019-20 to 2024-25. Accused Naik, who happens to be a Political Science lecturer has been forwarded to the Court of Special Judge, Vigilance, Sambalpur.

During investigation by Odisha Vigilance, Dr. 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.

In this connection, a case has been registered at the Sambalpur Vigilance police station against the accused. Further investigation underway.