The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Tuesday carried out searches at around 50 places in Punjab under Operation Kanak-2. Raids were conducted at Mansa, Hoshiarpur, Mukerian, Rupnagar, Patiala, Sirhind, Fatehgarh Sahib, Mohali, Moga, Ferozepur, Ludhiana, Sangrur and other places.
In the ongoing investigation of a case, searches were conducted at the premises of FCI officials, private rice millers and grain traders.
Incriminating documents and digital devices have been recovered so far during the searches. The operation was launched to break the nexus of channelized corruption in FCI which involved FCI officials, private rice millers and grain traders.
Further investigation, including examination of documents, interrogation of arrested accused, statements of witnesses, examination of persons familiar with the facts of the case and analysis of technical data, allegedly revealed that FCI officials, private rice millers and grain traders were operating a well. were part Large scale bribery during the process of procurement in organized syndicates and FCI.
Today’s ‘Operation Kanak-II’ is also a part of the effort to unearth the quantum and scale of corruption going on in FCI and trace the sequence of larger conspiracy among the interconnected participants.
Earlier on January 10, 2023, a case was registered against 74 accused, including serving and retired officers of FCI, private individuals and other entities etc.
It was alleged that huge bribes were paid to FCI officials to favor private operators.
It was further alleged that private rice millers and grain traders were bribing FCI officials to accommodate procurement of low quality foodgrains, malpractices in day-to-day operations in unloading foodgrains, handling inquiries against various malpractices, etc. Were.
It was also alleged that the officials, in connivance with rice mill owners, covered up stock shortages and accepted low-quality food grains that were transported to other parts of the country.
In return the rice millers pay huge bribes to FCI officials including Technical Assistants, DGM, AGM, and even the Executive Director as part of alleged channelized corruption.
CBI had earlier arrested DGM (Quality Control/Personnel) RO, Chandigarh; A Proprietor of the firm located at Kharar (Punjab) and a Manager (Laboratory), FCI, DO, Chandigarh.
During searches at about 99 places, Rs. 1.03 crore (approx), FDR to the extent exceeding Rs. 3 crore (approx), documents relating to various properties, incriminating documents and digital devices etc. were recovered.
The investigation is progressing further.
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