Odisha Vigilance today arrested Soumya Ranjan Kheti, former Principal of Odisha Adarsha Vidyalaya (OAV), Binika, for allegedly embezzling Rs 55,02,610 of government funds.
The misappropriation reportedly occurred between the financial years 2021–22 and 2024–25, involving funds allocated under the Mid-Day Meal (MDM) scheme, Mo School Abhijan, and Girls’ Hostel contingencies. Kheti, who was appointed principal on September 29, 2021, is accused of abusing his official position to siphon off funds meant for student welfare and infrastructure development.
Following preliminary inputs and an internal inquiry, Odisha Vigilance registered a case under Sambalpur Vigilance P.S. Case No. 19/2025, invoking sections of the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act, 2018 and relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Kheti has been taken into custody and is currently being interrogated to uncover the full extent of the financial irregularities.
This arrest has sparked renewed calls for transparency and stricter oversight in the management of educational institutions across the state.
