The Assam government has suspended Diphu Government College principal Nirab Kumar Sarma for allegedly withdrawing money in the name of a lecturer, who has been absent since November 2017.

Sarma has been suspended with effect from December 16 last year, the order issued recently by Purobi Gogoi, deputy secretary of the state higher education department, said.

It is alleged that Sarma had been drawing the salary of assistant professor in the department of economics, Joy Babu Sinha, and depositing it in his bank account for the past two years.

The department issued a notice, dated October 29, 2019, to Sarma in connection with fraudulent withdrawal of money from the government exchequer.

In a letter dated November 4, 2019, Sarma had told the department that Sinha was absent from duty since November 9, 2017.

The director of higher education, in a letter dated November 9, 2017, had released Sinha from the post of officer of special duty to join as an assistant professor in the department of economics in Diphu College with immediate effect.

However, Sinha had not joined as an assistant professor but his salary, amounting to Rs 7.65 lakh, was being withdrawn from November 9, 2017, till date.

“Dr Sarma has violated Rule AFR 93 (a) of Assam Financial Rules. It is an act of breach of trust and prima facie negligence of duty and violation of financial rules and procedures,” the order said.

The government has decided to initiate departmental proceedings against Sarma under provisions of Assam Services (Discipline & Appeal) Rules, 1964, the order said. “During the period of suspension Dr Sarma will not be able to engage in any private trade or business and will not leave from headquarters, Diphu, without the prior permission from the controlling authority,” it added.

The Karbi Students Association has demanded the state government to appoint a principal in-charge so that the academic environment in the college was not affected.

Earlier, the KSA had demanded removal of Sarma for his alleged involvement in various fraudulent activities.

Sources said Sarma had got the official college vehicle registered in his name using fake documents and was allegedly misusing Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) funds meant for the college.