Probe ordered into deleted entries of 90K qtls of paddy in Karnal markets

The Chief Administrator of the Haryana State Agricultural Marketing Board (HSAMB), Mukesh Kumar Ahuja, has ordered an inquiry into the deletion of gate pass entries for nearly 90,000 quintals of paddy across seven grain markets in Karnal district. The District Marketing Enforcement Officer (DMEO), Saurabh, has been assigned the work to investigate and submit a comprehensive report.

Action will be taken against accused

Advertisement

Quote: The issue came to my notice, and I have directed the District Marketing Enforcement Officer to investigate thoroughly and report on the findings. If any discrepancies are found, action will be taken. — Mukesh Kumar Ahuja, chief administrator, hsamb

“The issue came to my notice, and I have directed the DMEO to investigate thoroughly and report on the findings. If any discrepancies are found, action will be taken,” said Ahuja.

The Tribune had highlighted the issue in these columns, after which the HSAMB has ordered an inquiry.

Saurabh has initiated the inquiry, scrutinising records across the grain markets to identify possible reasons behind the large-scale deletion of gate passes. The deleted entries indicate potential irregularities in the paddy procurement process.

According to sources, the highest number of deletions occurred in Nissing grain market, where 772 gate passes accounting for 42,633 quintals were removed. Other deletions included 226 gate passes (12,565 quintals) in Nigdhu, 211 passes (11,453 quintals) in Indri, 168 passes (9,435 quintals) in Taraori, 134 passes (7,422 quintals) in Gharaunda, 76 passes (4,560 quintals) in Karnal, and 27 passes (1,568 quintals) in Assandh.

An HSAMB official explained that gate passes are generated when farmers bring crops for sale, with some passes also generated outside market premises. While some deletions may be due to clerical errors or duplicates, the unusually high number raises suspicions. “Some deleted entries might have been fake, possibly intended for unauthorised procurement but removed when plans changed,” an official suggested.

In addition to the DMEO’s investigation, a team led by Assistant Commissioner Under Training (ACUT) Yogesh Saini is conducting a physical verification of rice mills and reviewing grain market records to detect any further discrepancies.