CBI CONDUCTS SEARCHES MORE THAN 50 LOCATIONS INCLUDING IN PUNJAB ETC. IN A MASSIVE OPERATION AGAINST UNHOLY NEXUS OF CHANNELIZED CORRUPTION IN FCI & OTHERS AND ALSO ARRESTS A DGM OF FCI & PROPRIETOR OF A PRIVATE COMPANY

Dated: 11.01.2023

The Central Bureau of Investigation has conducted searches at more than 50 locations including at Chandigarh, Delhi, Patiala, Ropar, Sunam, Mohali, Ambala etc. in the States of Punjab & Haryana in a massive operation against the unholy nexus of channelized corruption in FCI and others. A massive exercise was conducted under the name ‘Operation Kanak’ to gather actionable inputs, identify accused etc. during the last 6 months regarding corrupt practices adopted by FCI officials, private rice millers and grain merchants by way of paying undue gratification to certain officials of FCI for getting undue favours etc. based on the various inputs.

A case was registered against 74 accused including serving (34) & retired officials (3) of FCI, private persons (17) and other entities etc. It was alleged that huge amount of bribe was paid to FCI officials for extending favours to the private nexus operators. It was further alleged that Private rice millers and grain merchants were paying bribes to FCI officials for getting favours in accommodating procurement of low quality foodgrains, malpractices in day-to-day operations in unloading of foodgrains, managing enquiries against various malpractices, etc. It was also alleged that the officials in conspiracy with rice millers cover up the shortages in stocks and accept low quality foodgrains which are transported to other parts of the country. The rice millers in turn allegedly pay a huge amount of bribe to the officials of FCI including Technical Assistants, DGM, AGM, and even Executive Director, as part of channelized corruption.

The operation led to a trap. The DGM (Quality Control/Personnel), RO, Chandigarh & a proprietor of Kharar (Punjab) were arrested in bribery of Rs. 50,000/-.

Further during searches, cash to the tune of Rs. 80 lakh (approx.) was recovered from the premises of accused including Executive Director at New Delhi; Technical Assistant (TA) Fatehgarh Sahib; AG-1, FSD Sunam; TA, Sirhind; TA, Dappar and Manager (Lab), Chandigarh. Other than cash, several incriminating documents and digital devices were also recovered. Searches at the premises of other accused are continuing.

Both the arrested accused were produced in the Court of Special Judge, CBI Cases, Chandigarh and were remanded 5 days Police Custody.