Karnal DC cracks down on suspected paddy diversion

Amid complaints of paddy from Uttar Pradesh being sold in Karnal’s grain markets as local produce, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Uttam Singh has directed all Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs) to secure CCTV footage from all market entry gates and verify gate pass issuance against actual vehicle arrivals.

Farmer leaders have alleged that paddy from UP is being passed off as local yield, raising questions about transparency in procurement. Despite delayed harvesting and lower production, grain markets have reported unusually high arrivals this season.

To check the alleged inflow, the administration has set up nakas on the Haryana-UP border at Manglora and Shergarh Tapu, with round-the-clock monitoring by police and civil officials.

DC Singh said the administration has taken serious note of the allegations.

“All SDMs have been asked to preserve the footage of CCTV cameras and to cross-check the arrival of vehicles loaded with paddy with gate passes. Physical verification of rice mills is being done to maintain complete transparency,” said Singh.

He added that about 9.76 lakh quintals of paddy have arrived in Karnal’s mandis so far.

“We are conducting a detailed verification. Our priority is to ensure that only the produce of local farmers is procured. If any irregularities are found, strict action will be taken,” the DC affirmed.

During scrutiny, officials found different IP addresses used by the same persons while generating gate passes, leading to the suspension of three employees.

“A special inquiry committee has been formed to investigate whether these IP addresses were used inside the mandi premises or from outside locations. The committee will submit its report soon,” Singh said.

He emphasised that the administration is also checking whether the procured paddy has physically reached rice mills or if entries were only made on paper.

“The crop registered under the Meri Fasal Mera Byora portal is being procured as per official records. No paddy from other states will be allowed in our system. Strict action is being taken to prevent this,” he said.