The physical verification of two rice mills in Taraori has once again exposed alleged large-scale irregularities in paddy procurement and allotment in Karnal district. Earlier, the district administration had unearthed alleged “ghost procurement” of paddy at different grain markets, leading to the registration of six FIRs.
In the latest verification, two more FIRs have been registered after a major shortage of paddy stock was detected in two rice mills. Balaji Rice Mill, Taraori, was found short of nearly 10,000 quintals of paddy, while Vishavkarma Rice Mill, Taraori, allegedly had a shortage of around 26,000 quintals. With these fresh cases, the total number of FIRs in the matter has risen to eight. More than 40 persons have either been arrested or joined the investigation so far.
The verification reportedly revealed how officials, allegedly in connivance with procurement agencies, facilitated paddy allotment to mills that did not even have proper functional infrastructure. Preliminary findings indicating major discrepancies in stock records and paddy allocation have prompted authorities to consider a wider verification drive of rice mills across the district to ascertain the possible scale of the scam.
The police have booked Balaji Rice Mill owners Arun, Mohit and Surinder, along with department inspector Davinder and sub-inspector Ramphal, under various sections of the BNS. In the Vishavkarma Rice Mill case, owner Mahinder Jangra, along with the same department officials, has also been booked over the alleged shortage of paddy stock.
Deputy Commissioner Dr Anand Kumar Sharma said physical verification of all rice mills in the district would be conducted to ascertain the actual stock position. “Those involved in cheating the government will not be spared,” he said.
District Food Supplies Controller Mukesh Kumar said the department would carry out physical verification to identify discrepancies in paddy allotment.
“The delivery of Custom-Milled Rice (CMR) is under way. We are also making efforts to ensure that millers deliver their CMR before the deadline,” he added.
In the latest cases, the Karnal police have arrested sub-inspector Ramphal in connection with one of the FIRs. The police are now tracing the entire allotment trail and have sought records from the procurement agencies for a detailed investigation.
Superintendent of Police Narender Bijarniya said all aspects of the two fresh FIRs were being thoroughly investigated. “Those found involved in the cases will not be spared,” he added.
