Shillong: The North-Eastern Hill University Teachers’ Association (NEHUTA) has expressed deep concern and disappointment following the arrest of Prof. Nirmalendu Saha, NEHU’s senior-most professor and Dean of the School of Life Sciences, on bribery charges. Prof. Saha was apprehended by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in Guwahati on June 11 while allegedly accepting a bribe of ₹3.43 lakh at the Gauhati University Guest House. The CBI also arrested Pranjal Sharma, proprietor of a Guwahati-based firm, during the operation. According to the FIR, Sharma, in collusion with Prof. Saha and others, facilitated the awarding of supply orders for scientific equipment and cleared bills in exchange for bribes. The CBI laid a trap and seized incriminating documents during raids at multiple locations. NEHUTA President Lakhon Kma confirmed that Prof. Saha had taken leave to attend exam duties in Guwahati. “If the reports are true, this is extremely serious and deeply damaging to NEHUTA and the university’s reputation,” Kma said, urging a thorough investigation. Kma expressed disbelief over the alleged actions of Prof. Saha, especially with his retirement due in December. “It is shocking to think he would risk everything at the end of such a long academic career,” he added. NEHUTA reiterated its zero-tolerance policy towards corruption, stating it would not defend any member involved in unethical practices.
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