Cop arrested in fraud case suspended

Cuttack: Odisha Director General of Police (DGP) KB Singh today suspended Prachet Kumar Mishra, ex-stenographer of SC/ST protection cell, who was arrested by vigilance for his alleged involvement in siphoning off Rs 88 lakh meant for the computer education of SC/ST students and self help groups (SHGs).

Mishra is currently posted as police signal operator in Cuttack. Basant Kumar Pradhan, ex-DSP (HRPC), who is currently working as additional SP in south western range (DIG), Koraput, was also arrested along with three others: the owner and manager of a computer education centre entrusted with the task of imparting training and a printing unit owner.

The vigilance also registered a case against a senior Tripura cadre IPS officer Joydeep Nayak, who has been named as the prime accused in the case. The fraud took place during the tenure of Nayak as IG of SC/ST Protection cell of HRPC on deputation. He had allegedly siphoned off the fund meant for SC/ST students’ computer education with help of some sub-ordinate officers and private operators.