Srinagar
In connection of misappropriation of stocks, forgery of documents, destruction of evidence, the Central Bureau Investigations (CBI) lodged an FIR against FCI depot officials besides suspends PEG in charge (private entrepreneur guarantee) in Kupwara.
The spokesman quoted the officials saying, the CBI raided Food Corporation of India (FCI) Kupwara on some specific information and found stocks approx. 1000 bags and record for the period of a couple of years missing. Adding that, accordingly FIR number RC: 1232017A0004 was lodged against the Depot In charge and two other officials including transporters for criminal conspiracy, cheating and criminal misconduct (Abuse of official position)
The suspected persons including FCI officials Mohd Zaka-ur-Rab, Assistant Grade, general (AG-ii(G) then depot in charge, FSD, FCI-Kupwara, PEG Kupwara, Aijjaz-ul-Haq, then assistant Grade, Depo. AG-iii (Tech) FSD, FCI Kupwara and others who are responsible for lifting and issue of food goods.
Sources in the department said that the said Depot Incharge who has been suspended is absconding. They added that the concerned agency and FCI have summoned the record which has not been produced by depot in charge till date.
Adding that, the non-submission of necessary record from Depot Incharge results in registration of FIR for the destruction of evidence against the culprit. Sources said that the role of staff posted at dispatching centre like Punjab also needs to be investigated.
Official sources said that the audit teams and FCI teams who visited the depot in Kupwara have given in writing that no record is available at FSD Kupwara. According to sources, they have written that the maximum portion of the said record is also missing at the financial branch at D O Srinagar. Adding that the said Depot Incharge is having connivance with inside officers who are holding important positions.
Sources said that it has been found that various private parties, FCI Officials as well as employees as well as state machinery appears to be involved in the criminal misappropriation of FCI stocks and forgery of documents, therefore it is requested to take a detailed investigation of the matter to proceed against the culprits under appropriate criminal charges. The development of the investigation may be informed to this office from time to time.
Reliable sources further said that from last many years there was a strong nexus between transporters and FCI Kupwara in connection with the stocks sold out in Punjab at hefty prices and making adjustments at FSD Kupwara through there conduits.
The documents and photocopies of Challans are in possession of PTK reveal a different story as narrated by some officials. The challans, which sources say are forged, however, bear the sign of the authorities concerned showing trucks have been unloaded” at the supposed location at PEG Kupwara. However, the committee report has found that not even a single truck has been unloaded.
Pertinently investigation revealed the scam is just the tip of the iceberg as some top officers of managerial ranks at FCI are involved in huge frauds. Sources added that the similar investigation is also being carried out for other PEG (private entrepreneur guarantee) depots in J&K. (PTK)
