Meghalaya: NEHU Teachers’ Association expresses deep concern over dean’s arrest in bribery case

CORRESPONDENT

SHILLONG: The North Eastern Hill University Teachers’ Association (NEHUTA) has expressed deep concern and disappointment over the recent arrest of Professor Nirmalendu Saha, the senior-most faculty member of the university, in connection with a bribery case.

Prof. Saha, who currently serves as the Dean of the School of Life Sciences and is a Professor in the Department of Zoology, was arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on June 11 during a bribery transaction worth Rs 3.43 lakh. He was apprehended along with a private individual at the Gauhati University Guest House.

NEHUTA General Secretary Prof. Lakhon Kma reiterated the association’s firm stance against corruption, stating, “We do not tolerate any form of corruption and will not shield any member if proven guilty.” He further emphasized that while the association will support any member who is unfairly targeted or genuinely distressed, it will completely disassociate from anyone found involved in corrupt activities.

The second accused in the case has been identified as Pranjal Sharma, a resident of Beltola in Guwahati and the proprietor of a company that supplies scientific equipment. According to the CBI’s First Information Report (FIR), Sharma allegedly conspired with Prof. Saha and others to secure supply orders and bill clearances through bribery.

The CBI conducted a trap operation and caught both individuals red-handed. Subsequent searches at two locations resulted in the seizure of incriminating documents, and investigations are ongoing at another site.

Prof. Kma described the allegations as disturbing, particularly since Prof. Saha is due to retire in December 2025 after a long and distinguished academic career. He added, “If the charges are proven, it would mark a shameful end to the career of one of the university’s most senior faculty members.”

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