Shillong, June 21: The North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU) has placed Prof. Nirmalendu Saha, the Dean of the School of Life Sciences, on suspension after his recent arrest by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on charges of bribery.

Prof. Saha was apprehended while allegedly accepting a bribe amounting to ₹3.43 lakh. His arrest occurred alongside Pranjal Sharma, a businessman from Guwahati, during a CBI operation at the Gauhati University Guest House on June 12.

According to the university's regulations, any faculty member who remains in CBI custody for over 48 hours is automatically suspended. Following the CBI's official notification, the university promptly issued a suspension order for Prof. Saha, as stated by the NEHU Public Relations Officer.

The North-Eastern Hill University Teachers’ Association (NEHUTA) has voiced serious concerns regarding this incident. NEHUTA president Lakhon Kma noted that the arrest of Prof. Saha, who is the most senior professor at the university, has severely tarnished the reputation of both the association and NEHU.

“This situation arises at a time when NEHU is already under scrutiny due to an ongoing crisis,” Kma stated, calling for a comprehensive and unbiased investigation by the CBI.

The CBI initiated a case against Prof. Saha and Pranjal Sharma on June 11, alleging their involvement in corrupt practices aimed at gaining unfair advantages in the procurement of scientific equipment, laboratory supplies, and the processing of related invoices.