KARNAL: Karnal district administration has got an FIR registered against four staffers of Kunjpura market committee for allegedly issuing the fake gate passes of around 24,564 quintal paddy worth Rs 4.81 crore at Gheer purchase centre. Besides, 28 commission agents of the same centre have also been booked and their licenses suspended for their alleged involvement in the alleged scam.
The action was taken on the inquiry report submitted by the zonal administrator of the Haryana State Marketing Board (HSAMB), Karnal. The official said it was a clear violation of procurement norms as HSAMB employees along with arhtiyas (commission agents) issued gate passes without the arrival of paddy in the mandi, which indicates illegal procurement.
On October 11, a physical verification of paddy stock at Gheer purchase centre was conducted by Karnal zonal administrator Gagandeep Singh and district market enforcement officer Ishwar Rana and other officials. A detailed inquiry report revealed that out of the 74,119 quintal paddy arrival at the centre up to October 10, 37,182 quintal was lifted by the government agencies. However, on physical verification, only 12,373 quintal paddy was found in Gheer centre, and around 24,564 quintal was not accounted for in the absence of exit gate passes. The report also revealed that gate passes were issued in the name of 56 arhtiyas, but a physical inspection revealed that only 28 were in operation and there were no records of 28 others.
Karnal deputy commissioner Nishant Kumar Yadav said, “A case has been registered against Mandi supervisor Dheeraj Kumar, auction recorder Dharamvir, computer operators Deepak and Ansul and 28 arhtiyas under various sections of the IPC.” An inquiry has been initiated against nine rice-millers who were allotted the paddy from this purchase centre and their supply stopped till the completion the inquiry, the DC added. As per the direction of Yadav, procurement agencies (DFSC and Hafed) have served showcause notices to 18 other commission agents for mismatch of stock and record.
