Bhubaneswar, Sept 22: The Odisha Vigilance on Sunday arrested Soumya Ranjan Kheti, former Principal of Odisha Adarsha Vidyalaya (OAV), Binika, in Subarnapur district, on charges of large-scale embezzlement of government funds.

According to Vigilance officials, Kheti allegedly misappropriated ₹55,02,610 during his tenure as Principal between 2021-22 and 2024-25. The funds were meant for critical government schemes, including the Mid-Day Meal (MDM) programme, Mo School Abhiyan, and Girls’ Hostel Fund contingencies.

Acting on specific intelligence regarding irregularities, Odisha Vigilance launched a detailed inquiry, which confirmed large-scale financial manipulation. Subsequently, a case (Case No.19/2025) was registered at the Sambalpur Vigilance Police Station under relevant sections of the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act, 2018 and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

Kheti, who was appointed as Principal on September 29, 2021, was taken into custody and is currently being interrogated to trace the flow of the embezzled funds and identify possible beneficiaries. Vigilance sources indicated that further investigation is underway, and additional assets linked to the accused may soon come under the scanner.

Authorities assured that strict legal action will follow to ensure accountability in misuse of public funds.

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