Two held with wheat meant for BPL families

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, August 27

The city police have arrested two truck drivers and seized the trucks loaded with wheat, which was sent by the government to distribute among the below poverty line (BPL) card holders, here yesterday.

Those arrested have been identified as Rupinder Singh alias Rinku of Dashmesh Nagar and Bhupinder Singh alias Bhinder of Jagatpura Sunam.

The police recovered 301 quintal wheat from the two trucks near Kaind Bridge in Dehlon area.

Mohinder Singh, in charge Crime Investigation Agency-2, said following a tip-off, they set up a checkpoint near Kaind Bridge village and stopped two trucks for checking and unearthed the scam. The police officials said the accused used to purchase wheat from government depots and sell it further to private shops after changing carry bags. The arrested truck drivers told the police that they loaded wheat bags from Sangrur and were on the way to supply it in the city and other areas.

Mohinder said some persons including Deepak Goyal of Dehlon; Hari Ram and Neetu Saxena of Sunam, were also involved. The trio has been facing cases in this regard. A case was registered under section 420 (fraud) and 7 of the Essential Commodities Act at Dehlon police station. The police have initiated investigation and started search of flour mill and government depot owners.

It is a common practice among government depot holders to sell wheat which comes for the poor people in black market.