Arhtiya booked for storing paddy from other states

A racket of buying paddy from other states at a cheaper price and selling it at the minimum support price (MSP) in the state has come to light after commission agent Subhash Chander of HS Agro and Company was booked for allegedly storing the produce in his private yard in violation of government procurement norms.

In a statement to the Sadar police station, Mandeep Kamra, secretary, Market Committee, said the firm had sold 3,800 bags (1,330 quintals) of paddy to Pungrain, a procurement agency, on October 15.

After the inspection by Pungrain staff, it was found that the gunny bags were from HS Agro and Company, situated in nearby Penchanwali village. The secretary said it seemed that the firm had procured the paddy from other states to sell in Punjab.

The matter was exposed when a group of farmers belonging to Bhartiya Kisan Union (Rajewal) led by its president Sukhmander Singh went to the yard on the October 19-20 night and found huge heaps of paddy lying in the yard of the firm. They tried to call the District Food and Supplies Controller and other officers, but none responded. Ultimately, they rang up Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian and brought the issue to his knowledge. The minister took up the matter and initiated action.

Meanwhile, the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department has shifted Inspector Arun Babber from Fazilka to Chandigarh on administrative grounds. It is stated that Babbar was shifted due to the illegal storage of paddy in a private yard.

Commission agent Subhash Chander has been booked for cheating, criminal conspiracy and criminal breach of trust under the BNS.

District Food and Supplies Controller Vandana Kamboj did not attend the call.