Former Odisha School Principal Arrested for Embezzling Over ₹55 Lakhs

Arrest of Former Principal for Fund Misappropriation

Sonepur: The vigilance unit of the police apprehended the ex-Principal of Odisha Adarsha Vidyalaya (OAV) in Subarnapur district on Monday for allegedly misusing ₹55 lakh of government funds.

Soumya Ranjan Kheti, who previously served as the Principal of OAV, Binika, is accused of embezzling ₹55,02,610 from various government schemes, including the mid-day meal program, Mo School Abhijan, and funds for the girls’ hostel, during the financial years 2021-22 to 2024-25. This was reportedly done by exploiting his official position, according to a statement from the Vigilance department.

It was revealed that Kheti had diverted ₹11 lakh of the misappropriated funds for online gambling on the 'Teenpatti' application.

Kheti took on the role of principal at OAV, Binika on September 29, 2021. The Vigilance department acted upon tips regarding the alleged misuse of government funds during his administration.