Four officials arrested in the alleged paddy procurement scam were produced before local courts on Wednesday and remanded to police custody for varying durations as investigators continue to widen the probe.
Krishan Dhankar, secretary of the Assandh Market Committee, was granted a three-day police remand. Asha Rani, former secretary of Karnal Market Committee, and Deepak Suhag, secretary of Market Committee Jundla, were sent to two-day police remand. Meanwhile, Anil Kumar, former District Food and Supplies Controller (DFSC), Karnal, was remanded for one day.
Police officials stated that custodial interrogation is necessary to recover money allegedly linked to the scam and to identify other individuals involved.
Superintendent of Police Narender Bijarniya said the investigation would proceed firmly and transparently. “One official has been taken on three-day police remand, two officials on two days remand and one on one-day police remand,” he said, adding that authorities are determined to expose the organised nexus responsible for losses to the state exchequer.
The arrests were carried out by a Special Investigation Team (SIT). DSP Rajiv Kumar revealed that six FIRs have been registered so far, with 25 officials, employees and private individuals either arrested or named in connection with the case.
“As the investigation progresses, more arrests and recoveries are likely,” he added.
Meanwhile, farmers welcomed the action by distributing sweets and expressing gratitude to Deputy Commissioner Uttam Singh and SP Narender Bijarniya for initiating strict measures in the case.
Members of Bharatiya Kisan Union (Sir Chhotu Ram) also met officials at the Mini-Secretariat, demanding a comprehensive probe into the properties of the accused.
Bahadur Singh Mehla, state spokesperson of the BKU, called for a detailed investigation into the assets of those arrested. He alleged that mandi officials, procurement agency inspectors, rice millers and arhtiyas had long exploited farmers, depriving them of rightful payments for their produce.
Authorities have indicated that the probe is ongoing and further developments are expected in the coming days.
