Asst Director Food, 3 others in CB net; 633 quintals of rice embezzled in Baramulla

Srinagar, Mar 14: A recent investigation by Crime Branch (CB) Kashmir has revealed officials of Directorate of Food Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs misappropriating 633 quintals of rice amounting to nearly 10 Lakh rupees.
A CB spokesperson in a statement on Saturday said they received a communiqué from the Food Department about misappropriation of rice stock at Hygam granary and Baramulla –D circle.
Following the inputs, the Crime Branch conducted a joint surprise check of the granary and concerned offices on 8 March, the spokesperson said.
The CB checked dispatch records of Tehsil Supply Officer (TSO) Private Enterprise Godown (PEG) Baramulla, TSO Hygam, TSO Baramulla-D, and prima facie, found out that seven truckloads of rice were shown dispatched from PEF Baramulla and received by TSO Hygam.
“Enquiry revealed that only the challans pertaining to the transfer of grains have been prepared and no such transfer took place. In this way 633 Quintals of rice have been misappropriated, leading to a loss of Rs 949,710 to the public exchequer,” the spokesperson added.
He added that prima facie the involvement of following has surfaced: TSO PEG Baramulla Sirajudin Bhat, TSO Hygam granary Mohammad Hussain Bhat, Assistant Director FCS&CA Baramulla Mushtaq Ahmad Wani.
“Pertinently, this racket was being actively coordinated by Mohammad Sultan Wani Assistant Store Keeper, Palhalan Pattan. Further enquiry into the matter has been taken up,” the CB spokesperson added.