Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) on Friday said it has uncovered a scam worth Rs 1.55 crore involving the embezzlement of rice meant for distribution to poor families. The VB’s raid led to the confiscation of two trucks carrying 1,138 bags of rice. Three individuals, including the owner of Shiv Shakti Rice Mill Gopal Goyal, and two truck drivers — Jagpal Singh and Sukhwinder Singh, have been arrested in connection with the scam.
A spokesperson for the VB provided details of the case, revealing that a formal complaint has been filed against Harish Dalal, the owner of Jai Janedar Firm Contractor, along with Gopal Goyal of Shiv Shakti Rice Mill, and the owner of Anjani Rice Mill, Kuttiwal Kalan, Maur Mandi, Bathinda.
The two truck drivers involved have also been charged under the Prevention of Corruption Act at the VB police station in Bathinda range. The investigation is expected to expand, considering the potential involvement of officials and employees from Global Warehouse and the Food Corporation of India (FCI).
VB said it acted on credible information that an attempt was being made to embezzle rice worth Rs 3.40 crore intended for beneficiaries. During the raid, the VB team seized two trucks loaded with 1,138 bags of rice that were supposed to be transported to Hamjapur in Fatehabad. However, the rice had not been cleaned or bagged as required, indicating a scheme to divert the rice and sell it directly to rice sellers for personal gain.
