Odisha Adarsha Vidyalaya ex-principal arrested for Rs 55 lakh govt fund fraud, spent Rs 11 lakh on ‘Teenpatti’

In a shocking revelation, the Odisha Vigilance has found that Soumya Ranjan Kheti, former Principal of Adarsha Vidyalaya, Binika in Subarnapur district, diverted a part of the misappropriated government funds towards online betting on the ‘Teenpatti’ app.

Kheti, who was arrested on September 22 for embezzling government money amounting to Rs 55.02 lakh from various school funds between 2021 and 2025, has admitted during interrogation that around Rs 11 lakh of the siphoned funds were used in online gambling activities.

According to Vigilance officials, Kheti had misappropriated funds under the Mid-Day Meal (MDM), Mo School Abhijan, and Girls’ Hostel contingency heads by abusing his official position. A detailed probe into the money trail has now exposed his reckless use of public money in betting apps, adding a new dimension to the corruption case.

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The Vigilance has registered a case against him under relevant sections of the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act, 2018, and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. He is currently being interrogated further to trace the complete extent of diversion and misuse of funds.

Kheti was appointed as Principal of the Binika OAV on September 29, 2021. During his tenure, multiple government-supported initiatives were routed through the school’s accounts. Vigilance officials allege that funds meant for welfare and educational support were diverted, resulting in a cumulative misappropriation of over Rs 55 lakh.