Cuttack, Aug. 2: The state vigilance has taken Tripura cadre IPS officer Joydeep Nayak on remand for two more days.

He was arrested for his alleged role in misappropriation of Rs 88 lakh meant for the training of SC and ST students.

Yesterday, the vigilance court (special) judge, Cuttack, allowed the state vigilance to take Nayak on remand for the second time for further investigation into the graft case. Last Thursday, he was taken on remand for three days.

Nayak, former inspector general of police, SC/ST protection cell, Odisha, was arrested from Ghaziabad on July 23 after remaining untraceable after the state vigilance registered a case of graft on June 22 and arrested five other accused for their involvement in the case.

Nayak, a 1991 batch IPS officer, had come on deputation from Tripura to Odisha in 2011 and served in several positions. He went back to Tripura in January.

The alleged misappropriation took place during his deputation with the Odisha police. At that time, he was posted as inspector general, SC/ST protection cell, in Cuttack. The fraud came to light this year after Nayak's successor joined the cell.

The officer who took over charge found out about the allocation and wanted to spend it for skill development. But by that time, the money had already been spent and utilisation certificate had also been made within one month of the allocation. Later, the ST and SC department conducted a special audit during which they found out about the misappropriation and lodged a formal complaint with the vigilance.

The vigilance court had already rejected Nayak's bail plea last Wednesday. He had filed the bail application on the ground that he had undergone a knee surgery and was needed further treatment. The court endorsed the contention of the state vigilance that any treatment, if required, can be provided in custody.

The state vigilance counsel had submitted that Nayak being a senior police officer has been involved in a scam of Rs 88 lakh, which was sanctioned by the state government for development of SC and ST people.

The vigilance counsel sought his remand for two more days for further investigation, while also submitting that the other co-accused arrested are in custody and the investigation is at preliminary stage.

Nayak who was posted as the director of fire services in Tripura, was suspended by the government on July 8.