A major paddy procurement scam involving Rs 5.21 crore has been unearthed in Jabalpur, revealing the disappearance of 2,268 metric tonnes of paddy across five procurement centres. Authorities have filed cases against 22 individuals in connection with the irregularities.
The district collector, Deepak Saxena, initiated an investigation into paddy purchases and storage handled by various procurement societies. The probe uncovered significant discrepancies, leading to FIRs against those responsible.
Additional Superintendent of Police Suryakant Sharma disclosed that the largest shortfall was at the Narmada Agro Kaladoomar centre in Panagar, where 7,194.79 quintals of paddy valued at Rs 1.65 crore were missing. Accused in this case include Committee Manager Ajay Dutt Mishra, Centre In-charge Ravishankar Patel, Computer Operator Vinay Patel, Surveyor Mahendra Patel, and Mukadam Rahul Patel.
At the Maa Rewa Warehouse in Majholi, 6,068.59 quintals of paddy worth Rs 1.4 crore were found missing. Those charged include Warehouse Operator Nitesh Patel, Committee Manager Vijay Raj, Purchase Centre In-charge Dinesh Rawat, Computer Operator Shriram Rai, and Ground Surveyor Manish Singh.
Similarly, Jai Bhawani Warehouse in Majholi reported a shortfall of 1,134 quintals valued at Rs 26 lakh. FIRs were filed against Committee Manager Vijay Rai, Purchase Centre In-charge Rajkumar Rajput, Computer Operator Satyapal Rajput, Centre In-charge Ashok Agarwal, and Surveyor Amit Rai.
At Guruji Warehouse in Patan, 5,618.60 quintals of paddy worth Rs 1.29 crore were missing. The accused include Committee Manager and Centre In-charge Sunil Sahu, Computer Operator Subhash Vishwakarma, and Surveyor Prashant Kori.
Lastly, the Shubhi Agro Warehouse in Simaria Panagar showed a missing quantity of 2,672.25 quintals valued at Rs 61.5 lakh. Cases have been registered against Committee Manager Ajay Dutt Mishra, Purchase Centre In-charge Mohini Pathak, Computer Operator Vishwas Khare, and Ground Surveyor Vikas Khare.
The investigation continues as authorities aim to recover the missing paddy and bring all culprits to justice.
