Probe indicates ‘foul play’ in issuance of gate passes at Karnal grain markets
The preliminary investigation conducted by the Karnal district administration in the issuance and deletion of gate passes for paddy at various grain markets for the 2024-25 season has indicated "foul play", emphasising a thorough inquiry by involving higher officials of the Haryana State Agricultural Marketing Board (HSAMB).
“The district authorities will write to the Chief Administrator of the HSAMB for the appointment of senior officials for a detailed inquiry. CCTV footage of grain markets would also be thoroughly examined," said Deputy Commissioner (DC) Uttam Singh.
The Tribune has highlighted that entries of gate passes of nearly 90,000 were deleted in seven grain markets. It has also raised the issue of issuance of multiple gate passes in a short span of time. The highest number of entries of 772 gate passes of 42,633 quintals were deleted in the Nissing grain market; followed by Nigdhu (226 gate passes for 12,565 quintals), Indri (211 gate passes for 11,453 quintals), Taraori (168 gate passes for 9,435 quintals), Gharaunda (134 gate passes for 7,422 quintals), Karnal (76 gate passes for 4,560 quintals) and Assandh (27 gate passes for 1,568 quintals).
Need detailed inquiry
The district authorities will write to the Chief Administrator of the HSAMB for the appointment of senior officials for a detailed inquiry. CCTV footage of grain markets will also be thoroughly examined. Uttam Singh, Karnal Deputy Commissioner
DC Uttam Singh asked Additional DC Yash Jaluka to conduct an investigation into the matter. Jaluka along with Assistant Commissioner Under Training (ACUT) Yogesh Saini found nearly 4,000 quintals of paddy missing from the stock allotted to a rice mill for custom-milling rice, indicating irregularities in the paddy procurement and allocation process for the 2024-25 season.
The investigation team has also issued directions to preserve the CCTV footage of all grain markets till the probe is over.
