Suspended Principal Booked for Allegedly Removing College Files After Release from Jail

A fresh controversy has emerged at Swami Arupananda Degree College of Education in Odisha after suspended principal Dayanidhi Routray was booked by the Raghunathpur Police for allegedly entering the college premises without authorisation and removing official files from the institution's office.

The incident occurred on Tuesday, just a day after Routray was released from jail in connection with an earlier case involving allegations of misconduct and assault against college staff.

Allegedly Entered Office Without Permission

According to college authorities, Routray entered the campus at around 9:15 am, when only two peons were present on duty. The in-charge principal and other administrative staff had not yet arrived.

Officials alleged that the suspended principal accessed the college office without informing the administration, opened two office almirahs, removed important institutional files and documents, packed them into two bags, and left the premises.

The entire incident was reportedly captured on the college's CCTV cameras and witnessed by the two staff members present at the time.

College authorities further claimed that Routray did not return the office key after taking the documents.

College Authorities Lodge Police Complaint

Following the incident, the matter was reported to the college president and Jagatsinghpur Sub-Collector Prasant Kumar Tarai.

The in-charge principal, Bhagaban Das, subsequently lodged a formal complaint with the Raghunathpur Police.

Confirming the development, Inspector-in-Charge Premjit Das said police have registered a case against the former principal and initiated an investigation into the allegations.

Authorities are examining the circumstances under which the files were removed and whether any official procedures were violated.

Former Principal Defends His Actions

Routray has denied any wrongdoing, maintaining that he removed only those documents required for ongoing legal proceedings.

According to him, the files contained records relating to certain lecturers and staff members that were needed to be produced before the court.

He also claimed he feared that some documents connected to alleged corruption could be altered if left in the college office.

"I have taken the documents to produce them before the court as the case is under trial. I apprehend that some records related to corruption may be altered. I have taken the files to preserve the evidence," Routray said.

Background of the Case

The latest incident follows Routray's arrest on July 17, when Raghunathpur Police booked him for allegedly abusing, humiliating, and assaulting two lecturers and non-teaching staff after they reportedly refused to comply with what were described as "illegal instructions."

Following his arrest, the Jagatsinghpur Sub-Collector placed him under suspension on charges of misconduct and negligence of duty.

The fresh case has added another layer to the ongoing legal proceedings, with police now investigating whether the removal of official records violated administrative rules or interfered with institutional functioning.

The incident has once again highlighted the importance of proper governance, accountability, and record management in higher education institutions, particularly when disciplinary proceedings against senior officials are underway.