Verification of wheat stock in all Punjab godowns begins
CHANDIGARH: The vigilance wing of Punjab food and civil supplies department has started physical verification of wheat stock in godowns across the state two days after at least 87,164 quintal grain was found missing from facilities managed by Pungrain at Jadiala Guru.
Officials said district deputy director and district food and civil supplies controller-level officers are likely to face the music for negligence in physical verification of stock.
“The records are being examined and action will be taken accordingly,” said food and civil supplies minister Bharat
Bhushan Ashu. After the shortage was detected at Jandiala Guru, three officials — the food department placed district food and supplies officer Amarinder Singh, assistant food and supplies officer Arshdeep Singh and inspector Jasdev Singh — were placed under suspension. Two senior officers — district food and civil supplies controller (DFSC) Raj Rishi Mehra and his predecessor Jasjit Kaur — have been issued a charge sheet to explain negligence in duty. Also, the case was referred to state vigilance department for further investigation.
“We have started verification of stock at other places. Our teams are at Nangli godown in Amritsar district,” said an officer of the department’s vigilance wing.
In Jadiala Guru, vigilance teams have been sent to verify stocks at 145 ration depot.
Around 60,000 quintal wheat was dispatched for distribution from these godowns. The total value of the missing grain is pegged at around ₹20 crore.
Warehouse in-charge in Dubai
Pungrain’s inspector posted at Jandiana Guru Jasdev Singh, who was the in-charge of the godowns, is absconding since the pilferage came to light. He is believed to be in Dubai, sources said. “He is in touch with the food department over email and claims he has not done any wrong and has all documents,” said an officer, who was not willing to be named. He added that the absconding officer has told the department that he’s suffering from coronavirus and was in quarantine. Efforts are on to bring back Jasdev.
SAD seeks CBI probe
Akali leader Maheshinder Singh Grewal demanded a high-level probe into the alleged grain scam in Amritsar. Pointing the finger of suspicion at Punjab food and supplies minister Bharat Bhushan Ashu, Grewal said the scam could not have been executed without the involvement of senior functionaries and politicians. He also demanded a CBI probe into the matter.