M A I N   N E W S

CBI begins probe into missing trucks
Tribune News Service

Gurdaspur, July 31
The CBI has initiated an inquiry into the 86 trucks loaded with foodgrains of the Food Corporation of India (FCI) meant for Jammu that had gone missing.

The SP, CBI, Jammu, has sought the information regarding the case from the Gurdaspur police. In a letter written to the SSP, Gurdaspur, the CBI has sought the entire information in this regard.

The SSP, Mr Paramraj Singh Umranangal, admitted that the CBI had sought information regarding the case.

He further said that till date the local police had identified 35 trucks that were involved in loading the missing foodgrains. Some culprits in the case, including Shiva rice mills of Kathua and Fatehgarh Churian-based transporters, had been identified and criminal proceedings initiated against them.

The contract for sending the foodgrains from Gurdaspur stores to Jammu and Srinagar was given to Cadha Enterprises. They had further hired trucks from various parts of the district to carry the foodgrains. However, a large number of trucks never reached the destination. The sources added that the trucks meant for the FCI stores in Jammu and Srinagar had been unloaded at Kathua and border areas of the state.

The FCI has forfeited the security of the company involved in the case. The investigating officers did not rule out the involvement of FCI officials in the scam.

The sources also indicated the involvement of certain local politicians in the case.