‘Paddy scam’: Karnal market committee secretary, auction recorder suspended

In a major crackdown on alleged irregularities in paddy procurement, Karnal Market Committee secretary Asha Rani and auction recorder Yashpal have been suspended for their suspected role in issuing fake gate passes used for the illegal movement of paddy. The action was initiated by Haryana State Agricultural Marketing Board (HSAMB) Chief Administrator Mukesh Kumar Ahuja. Their anticipatory bail pleas have already been rejected by a district court.

Officials said the suspensions were ordered after mounting evidence indicated serious discrepancies in the procurement process.

“Karnal market committee secretary Asha Rani and auction recorder Yashpal have been placed under suspension with immediate effect, and their headquarters is fixed in the office of ZMEO, HSAMB, Rohtak. They will not leave the headquarters without obtaining prior approval of the competent authority,” an official said.

According to police probing the FIR registered at the City police station, the two officials — along with other employees — allegedly generated fake gate passes from different IP addresses located outside the Karnal grain market. Both are absconding.

Meanwhile, police have arrested three employees connected with the racket: suspended mandi supervisor Pankaj Tuli of Karnal and Ankit and Ankush, both residents of Dabkola in Saharanpur (Uttar Pradesh).

Across the district, four FIRs have been registered so far over paddy procurement irregularities. Police have arrested a total of five accused, including two millers nabbed earlier by Assandh police. Investigators said they are piecing together the full extent of the scam and identifying more suspects.

Superintendent of Police Ganga Ram Punia said the investigation is progressing swiftly.

“An SIT headed by DSP Rajiv is investigating all angles in the four FIRs registered so far in different police stations. City, Sadar, Taraori and Assandh police, in coordination with CIA-2, are working on different angles. So far, we have arrested two owners of a mill in the FIR registered in Assandh and three employees in the FIR registered at City police station, Karnal. Efforts are being made to arrest the remaining accused in all four cases,” he said.

Officials indicated that more suspensions and arrests are likely as the probe deepens.