Bribe for NAAC rating: Sambalpur University Professor among 10 arrested by CBI; over Rs 35 lakh seized

A Professor of Sambalpur University is among 10 persons, including NAAC Inspection Team members, has been arrested in connection with a case related to allegations of bribery for securing a favourable A++ National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) rating.

The accused Sambalpur University Professor has been identified as Bulu Moharana. The CBI also sealed the official residence of the accused Professor Bulu Moharana at Jyoti Vihar.

Apart from the NAAC inspection team chairman and members, the CBI has also arrested office bearers of Koneru Lakshmaiah Education Foundation (KLEF) in Vaddeswaram, Andhra Pradesh.

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The CBI had registered a case against KLEF office bearers and NAAC Inspection Team members following allegations that undue advantages were given to public servants to secure a favourable rating. 

Following this, CBI conducted searches at 20 locations across India, including Chennai, Bangalore, Vijayawada, Palamu, Sambalpur, Bhopal, Bilaspur, Gautam Budh Nagar and New Delhi.

During the raids, the CBI recovered Rs 37 lakh, 6 laptops, gold, laptops, mobile phones, and other incriminating materials, allegedly provided as bribes to influence the accreditation process. 

“The investigation is still ongoing, and further action will be taken based on the findings. The case has raised serious concerns about the credibility of the NAAC accreditation process and the integrity of educational institutions and their evaluation bodies,” said CBI in a release.