In a significant development in the ongoing investigation of a multi-crore paddy scam, the Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) has arrested Jagandeep Singh Dhillon, the former District Manager (DM) of the Punjab State Cooperative Supply and Marketing Federation (PUNSUP) in Ludhiana. Dhillon, who had been evading law enforcement, surrendered before the Ludhiana court earlier on Monday, marking a crucial step in the case that has implicated several high-profile individuals.
Dhillon's arrest came after an extensive inquiry into fraudulent practices associated with paddy transportation tenders within the state’s Food and Civil Supplies Department. The Vigilance Bureau spokesperson revealed that Dhillon was wanted in connection with an FIR registered on August 16, 2022, under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including 409 (criminal breach of trust), 467 (forgery), and 420 (cheating), along with provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act. The investigation has also implicated former Minister Bharat Bhushan Ashu and other co-accused individuals.
The case took a turn when Dhillon, who had previously secured anticipatory bail from the Punjab and Haryana High Court on September 18, 2023, found his legal shield dismantled when the Supreme Court revoked his bail order on July 16, 2024. Following this, Dhillon went underground, prompting his suspension from duty by the Department as the Vigilance Bureau intensified efforts to locate him.
VB spokesperson further outlined Dhillon’s role as a member of the District Tender Committee during the 2020-21 period, alleging that he failed to conduct due diligence on tenders submitted by certain contractors linked to the scam. It is claimed that he colluded with these contractors, facilitating tender allotments in exchange for substantial bribes. In a notable violation of the State Custom Milling Policy, Dhillon allegedly orchestrated the illegal transfer of food grains from the shops of commission agents Krishan Lal and Anil Jain to rice shellers owned by their relatives, bypassing established protocols.
The investigation has unveiled a web of deceit, with evidence indicating that Krishan Lal recovered over 2,000 jute bags from other states, which were utilized in the illicit transportation of paddy. Dhillon, in a criminal conspiracy with Surinder Berry, the then District Manager of PUNGRAIN, reportedly leveraged the influence of former minister Bharat Bhushan Ashu to reroute paddy from the Anaj Mandis of villages Lalton and Dhandran to the Ludhiana Central markets, rather than the designated Killa Raipur center. This manipulation was allegedly orchestrated to extract hefty bribes from rice millers.
Financial improprieties were further uncovered, revealing that Dhillon collected bribes ranging from Rs three to Rs 10 per paddy bag from millers in exchange for favorable tender allotments. Furthermore, he overlooked discrepancies in gate pass registrations, which listed scooter and motorcycle numbers instead of truck numbers, allowing for the misappropriation of paddy stored in the godowns in collusion with contractors.
In light of mounting pressure from continuous raids and the relentless pursuit of the Vigilance Bureau, Dhillon ultimately opted to surrender to Ludhiana court on Monday, acknowledging the inevitable consequences of his actions. As the investigation continues, the VB remains committed to uncovering the full extent of this fraudulent scheme, ensuring accountability for all those involved in this egregious misuse of public trust and resources.
