Paddy procurement scam: Fearing arrest, Karnal arhtiyas, millers approach court for anticipatory bail
Police press charges under Prevention of Corruption Act
Fearing possible arrests in the alleged paddy procurement scam, several arhtiyas and rice millers from different grain markets of Karnal district have approached different courts seeking anticipatory bail. Their move comes after two Special Investigation Teams (SITs) probing alleged irregularities in the paddy procurement season 2025–26 have intensified the investigation.
Meanwhile, the police have also added Sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act to five FIRs being probed by the SIT led by Assistant Superintendent of Police Kaanchi Singhal. Similar Sections had already been added to the sixth FIR registered at City Police Station, which is being investigated by SIT headed by DSP Rajiv Kumar.
Police sources claimed that four to five arhtiyas and millers have already approached the court seeking anticipatory bail. Besides, some of the arrested accused have also moved court for bail. On Monday, hearings on bail and anticipatory bail applications of eight to nine persons — either arrested or fearing arrest — are scheduled in different courts of the district.
Sources claimed that the district police would also approach the court seeking rejection of their petitions of bail or anticipatory bail.
As many as six FIRs have been registered so far in connection with the alleged irregularities during the paddy procurement season. The investigation so far indicated it to be a well-organised nexus involving different stakeholders –employees and officials of the Haryana State Agricultural Marketing Board (HSAMB), procurement agencies, arhtiyas, millers, farmers, transporters and others, which further resulted in “ghost procurement”.
As per the police officials, 26 persons have either been arrested or have joined the investigation so far based on evidence collected during the inquiry. Among those arrested are four secretaries of different market committees, a former District Food and Supplies Controller (DFSC) and employees linked to procurement agencies and the Haryana State Agricultural Marketing Board (HSAMB), besides arhtiyas, millers and private individuals. One secretary is already on anticipatory bail.
“The investigation is being conducted in a fair and transparent manner. We have collected substantial evidence in the cases registered so far. No innocent person will be harassed, but those found involved will not be spared. The police will strongly oppose both anticipatory and regular bail applications before the court. Our priority is to arrest all involved in this case,” said Narender Bijarniya, Superintendent of Police, Karnal.
Meanwhile, Dr Virender Singh Lather, former Principal Scientist, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute New Delhi, wrote a letter to Chief Justice of India, Supreme Court, Prime Minister, Union Finance Minister, Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare for a CBI inquiry on “fake paddy purchase scam” committed in Haryana for purpose of theft of MSP and misappropriation of Central government funds by using fake gate pass, J-form, illegal ‘kachchi parchi’ (raw slip) trading and misusing the bank accounts of the farmers. “The whole procurement across the state needs CBI inquiry to determine the loss to the government exchequer,” he said.
