Global Rice News

**Punjab Vigilance Bureau Seizes ₹1.55 Crore Worth of Rice in Scam**

In a significant operation, the Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) recently uncovered a rice scam amounting to ₹1.55 crore. The warehouse in Maur Mandi, Bathinda, was raided by the VB, leading to the seizure of two trucks carrying a total of 1,138 bags of rice. As a result, three individuals were arrested, including Gopal Goyal, the owner of Shiv Shakti Rice Mill in Garhshankar, Hoshiarpur, along with two truck drivers named Jagpal Singh and Sukhwinder Singh. The Punjab Vigilance Bureau plans to interrogate officials from the warehouse in Maur Mandi and the Food Corporation of India to determine if they are also involved in the scam.

Amidst the crackdown, Global Warehouse in Maur Mandi and the Food Corporation of India have been summoned for questioning regarding their potential role in the fraudulent activity.

Under the Bharat Brand Scheme implemented by the central government, the National Cooperative Consumers’ Federation of India has been distributing approximately 70,000 metric tonnes of rice to impoverished families in Bathinda, Bhucho, Maur, Rampura Phul, and Budhlada, amounting to about ₹130 crore in value.

Out of this quantity, 1,000 metric tonnes of rice weighing 5 kg and 10 kg per bag are meant to be sold at ₹18.5 per kg. The tender for supplying this rice to beneficiaries in Bathinda district was awarded to Jai Janedar firm, who were to distribute it at a rate of ₹29 per kg.

The VB spokesperson revealed that they received information about an attempt to embezzle rice worth ₹3.4 crore. As a result, two trucks loaded with 1,138 bags of rice destined for Fatehabad, Haryana, were seized by the authorities. It was discovered that the rice had not been cleaned nor properly packaged, suggesting an intention to engage in illegal sales.

Investigations further revealed that the Jai Janeder firm intended to sell the rice for ₹34 per kg.

According to the spokesperson, the owners of Jai Janedar firm collaborated with personnel from the Global Warehouse (Soma Warehouse) in Maur Mandi, facilitated by a broker named Harish Kumar, along with unidentifiable officials from the Food Corporation of India. Following alleged bribery, the rice bags were moved from the Global Warehouse to Anjani Rice Mill in Kuttiwal Kalan, Maur Mandi, before finally being transported to Shiv Shakti Rice Mill in Garhshankar, Hoshiarpur.

In response, the VB police station in Bathinda has filed a case against Harish Dalal, the owner of Jai Janeder firm, Gopal Goyal, the owner of Shiv Shakti Rice Mill (Garhshankar) and Anjani Rice Mill in Kuttiwal Kalan, along with two truck drivers, under the Prevention of Corruption Act. The investigation is ongoing.

This incident highlights the importance of staying vigilant against fraudulent activities in the rice industry, particularly in Punjab. It is crucial for authorities and consumers alike to ensure the integrity of rice supply chains in order to protect both the economy and the welfare of the public.

**Source:** [Hindustan Times](https://www.hindustantimes.com)