- EOW finds evidence of 19,910 quintals of rice misappropriation
Bhopal: The Economic Offenses Wing (EOW) of Madhya Pradesh launched a major statewide crackdown on Thursday in connection with the rice procurement scam. The operation targeted 150 procurement committees and 140 warehouses across 12 districts. According to EOW Director General Upendra Jain, the raids uncovered evidence of misappropriation involving 19,910.53 quintals of rice, valued at approximately Rs. 5 crore.
In a shocking discovery, 535 quintals of rice husk, instead of actual rice, were found in the Kanak warehouse in Satna. EOW confirmed that over 79 officials from various procurement committees are facing legal action. The ongoing operation, involving 25 teams, is expected to uncover more instances of fraud at other committees.
The EOW had received numerous reports of fraudulent activities related to rice procurement. These included fake registrations of farmers and false entries on the e-procurement portal, where rice was listed as procured despite not being collected. Subsequently, records for transport and storage were manipulated, and payments were made based on the fake quantities. This massive fraud has been causing significant financial losses to the government each year.
Besides officials from the procurement committees, several transporters, warehouse operators, and rice mills may also be involved in the scam. In response to these allegations, Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav instructed the EOW to take decisive action. As a result, the EOW mobilized 25 teams to conduct raids in districts including Balaghat, Jabalpur, Dindori, Rewa, Satna, Maihar, Sagar, Panna, Gwalior, Narmadapuram, Narsinghpur, and Shyopur.
So far, 19,910.53 quintals of misappropriated rice have been identified. The investigation continues, with further irregularities expected to surface in other committees. Notable contributions in the operation have come from police officers, including Bhopal’s Arun Mishra, Jabalpur’s Sunil Patidar, and Sagar’s Devendra Yadav, among others.
