BKU seeks CBI probe into paddy procurement in Karnal district

Suspecting irregularities in the ongoing paddy procurement season, members of the Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) demanded that an inquiry should be handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

The BKU members also questioned the credibility of the internal inquiries and said only the CBI inquiry could unearth the whole ‘scam’ involving paddy arrival from Uttar Pradesh and other states in the grain markets.

While addressing office-bearers at Sir Chhotu Ram Kisan Bhawan, Rattan Mann referred it to be an organised ‘scam’ and said, “the internal investigation being conducted will not bring out the truth, as the scam was carried out in a well–planned manner involving officials, arhtiyas and rice millers and fake farmers.”

He accused the authorities of covering up the issue by merely suspending three employees, while senior officials who played a major role in the scam continue to go unpunished. “Only a CBI inquiry could uncover the full truth behind the scam,” he alleged.

He further criticiszed the BJP government for failing to uphold its promise of providing minimum support price (MSP) for 24 crops. “In Haryana, major kharif crops such as paddy, bajra, cotton, and moong are being sold at Rs 300 to 500 below the MSP,” he said.