Paddy Procurement Fraud Uncovered: Officials Suspended and Legal Action Taken

Two lekhpals have been suspended due to a fraud involving fake verification of paddy crops in Puwayan and Tilhar tehsils. Officials allegedly certified non-existent paddy crops, allowing unauthorized purchases. FIRs have been filed, and district officials have been instructed to conduct daily checks to prevent further violations.

A shocking fraud in paddy procurement verification has led to the suspension of two lekhpals in Puwayan and Tilhar, officials revealed on Wednesday.

According to Additional District Magistrate Rajneesh Kumar Mishra, police cases have been filed against the middlemen responsible for the fraudulent activities. An investigation uncovered that officials certified paddy crops for farmers who had not cultivated them, enabling unauthorized purchases.

In an effort to curb further misconduct, district officials must now perform surprise checks daily and submit detailed reports on procurement activities. The district administration has stressed that no farmer should be barred from selling their produce at designated centers.

(With inputs from agencies.)