Five PUNSUP officials suspended over irregularities in Bathinda, Mansa depots
A report was submitted highlighting multiple operational irregularities and alleged mismanagement at foodgrain depots
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In a decisive move to enforce accountability in foodgrain management, the Punjab State Civil Supplies Corporation Limited (PUNSUP) has suspended five of its officials posted in Bathinda and Mansa districts. The action comes after reports of serious lapses in depot operations, raising concerns about negligence in the state’s procurement and storage system.
The suspension orders were issued by Sonal Garg, IAS, Managing Director, PUNSUP, under Rule 4 of the Punjab Civil Services (Punishment & Appeal) Rules, 1970. The order clearly states that pending a detailed departmental inquiry, the officials are to be relieved of their duties with immediate effect.
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The suspended employees include Sandeep Kumar, Senior Assistant (Depot) Mansa; Amandeep Singh, Inspector Grade-II Bathinda; Rupinder Kumar, Inspector Grade-II Bathinda; Surinder Kumar, Inspector Grade-I Bathinda; and Pavitarjit Singh, Inspector Grade-II Bathinda. All five officials will remain attached to the PUNSUP Head Office in Chandigarh during the period of suspension and will not be allowed to perform duties at their previous postings.
The decision to suspend came after the District Manager of PUNSUP, Bathinda, submitted a detailed report on September 22, 2025, highlighting multiple operational irregularities and alleged mismanagement at foodgrain depots. Acting on the report, the headquarters examined the matter and found sufficient grounds to suspend the officials immediately to ensure a fair inquiry.
The suspension order also makes reference to earlier correspondence under memo numbers 2025/1244 and 2025/1256 dated September 22 and 24, which had already highlighted lapses and possible violations of Punjab Civil Services rules.
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A formal departmental inquiry has been ordered against all five officials. Their conduct will be investigated and responsibilities fixed. If proven guilty, the officers could face major penalties, including dismissal from service.
In the meantime, PUNSUP has assured that monitoring at Bathinda and Mansa depots has been intensified to prevent further discrepancies.
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