In a significant development, the Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) unearthed a Rs1.55 crore rice scam in Maur Mandi, Bathinda, leading to the arrest of three individuals, including a rice mill owner and two truck drivers. The VB spokesperson revealed that Gopal Goyal, owner of Shiv Shakti Rice Mill in Garhshankar, Hoshiarpur, and truck drivers Jagpal Singh and Sukhwinder Singh were apprehended during a raid.
The bureau seized two trucks carrying 1,138 bags of rice intended for illegal sale. The rice was meant to be distributed under the Centre’s Bharat Brand Scheme, which aims to supply subsidized rice to poor families across Bathinda, Bhucho, Maur, and surrounding areas.
According to the VB, a firm named Jai Janedar, awarded the contract to supply rice at Rs29 per kg, had instead conspired to sell it at Rs34 per kg, bypassing regulations that required cleaning and packaging in 5 kg and 10 kg bags. The scam involved staff from Global Warehouse in Maur Mandi and possibly officials from the Food Corporation of India, who are being questioned for their role in the embezzlement.
The investigation revealed that after allegedly bribing officials, the rice was transported to Anjani Rice Mill in Kuttiwal Kalan, before being moved to Shiv Shakti Rice Mill. The vigilance department continues to probe the involvement of other entities linked to the scam, with further arrests expected as the investigation deepens.
A case has been registered against the key players under the Prevention of Corruption Act, and authorities are working to trace the full extent of the scam.