Shillong: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has apprehended a prominent academic, Professor Nirmalendu Saha, Dean of the School of Life Sciences and Professor of Zoology at North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU), for allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 3.43 lakh. Saha was arrested alongside Pranjal Sharma, a Guwahati-based businessman, in a sting operation conducted at Guwahati University Guest House.
The investigation, initiated based on credible intelligence, revealed that Saha colluded with Sharma, proprietor of a supply firm, to manipulate the procurement process for scientific equipment and laboratory materials. According to the CBI, the accused individuals allegedly indulged in corrupt practices, facilitating Saha to obtain undue advantages in exchange for awarding supply orders and clearing bills.
A carefully planned trap operation led to the duo’s arrest during the actual transaction of the bribe money. Following the arrest, CBI teams conducted searches at multiple locations, recovering incriminating documents from two premises. Searches are ongoing at a third location to gather further evidence.
The investigation is expanding beyond the immediate arrests, with authorities working to identify potential accomplices and determine the total value of contracts influenced through corrupt practices. Both accused individuals will appear before a competent court in Guwahati. This case highlights the CBI’s efforts to crack down on corruption, similar to recent cases involving bribery in other institutions.
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