CBI raids FCI warehouses in Punjab, Haryana

Adani’s silo at Moga’s Dagru among the sites where surprise checks were held

MOGA: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) conducted surprise checks at Food Corporation of India (FCI) godowns at 20 locations in Punjab and Haryana on Friday after getting a number of complaints regarding alleged irregularities, officials said.

There are at least 25 godowns belonging to Pungrain and Warehousing Corporation besides FCI where simultaneous surprise checks by CBI sleuths were conducted in Punjab.

“In the light of receipt of large number of complaints of irregularities in FCI godowns, the agency is conducting joint surprise checks at about 20 locations in Punjab and Haryana,” said a CBI spokesperson. Sources in the agency added that the surprise checks were a joint operation with the FCI.

The CBI teams took quality and quantity samples from these godowns which have been sent for examinations. The teams of the central agency were accompanied by a large number CRPF men.

Calling it (raids) routine checks, the officers of Punjab’s food and civil supplies department confirmed that raids were initiated in Bathinda, Dhuri, Ferozepur, Fazilka, Sangrur, Tarn Taran, Khanna, Patiala and Jagraon in Punjab.

Raids were conducted at Adani’s silo at Moga’s Dagru and Harsh Agro godown at Dudhike on Thursday evening as well.

FCI’S main godown in Ajitwal was sealed and its staff was called at Harsh Agro godown.

The department clarified that though foodgrain are stored and preserved by the state food department, they are the property and responsibility of FCI. The storage agencies and food department are coordinating with the CBI.

“Action could also be taken on the rice millers if quantity and quality was found compromised,” revealed an official.

It needs to be mentioned here that some portions of paddy procured in state has higher moisture content than the permissible limits of 14% because of the state government’s mandate to make payment to the farmers within 48 hours.

ROUTINE CHECKS, SAYS FOOD AND CIVIL SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT; TEAMS TOOK QUALITY AND QUANTITY SAMPLES FROM THESE GODOWNS