Haryana detects Rs 90-cr scam in paddy purchase, initiates checks

The decision has been taken after the government detected a shortfall of 42,589 metric tonnes (MT) paddy in its stock at rice mills, establishing bogus procurement. The involvement of rice millers, procurement agencies, arhtiyas (commission agents) and marketing board officials is being suspected in the scam.

Haryana Additional Chief Secretary (food, civil supplies and consumer affairs) PK Das said that showcause notices will be issued to the rice millers, whose mills have reported shortage in stock. He said that after receiving the replies, strict action will be taken against the wrongdoers.

Sharing the details about the data complied after the latest physical verification, he said that to check the stock availability and bogus paddy procurement, verification of 1,304 rice mills in the state was done. The verification process, which was videographed, showed a shortfall of 42,589 MT paddy at 1,207 rice mills.

On the other hand, Indian National Lok Dal leader Abhay Chautala claimed that the state government was unnecessarily harassing the rice millers. He alleged that the officials committed scam in connivance with the procurement agencies. Earlier, Abhay Chautala had sought a CBI probe into the matter.