Odisha Vigilance today arrested Dr Basanta Kumar Naik, Ex‑In‑charge Principal and current Lecturer in Political Science at Dutika Sahu College, Laida, Rengali Block, Sambalpur.
Naik was arrested for misappropriating government funds worth Rs 73,44,950 between the financial years 2019‑20 and 2024‑25. Investigators found that he siphoned off grants allocated for college infrastructure development, without executing physical works. Charges include false billing, diversion of funds under the pretext of automation software, and non‑receipt of sanctioned equipment.
A case has been registered at Sambalpur Vigilance PS (Case No. 13/2026) under Sections 13(2) r/w 13(1)(a), 316(5), 61(2) of the BNS, 2023. Naik was produced before the Special Judge, Vigilance, Sambalpur, who remanded him to judicial custody.
Odisha Vigilance confirmed that it will move the competent authority for his dismissal from service following the conviction. The investigation is ongoing to trace the full extent of financial irregularities.
