SIT arrests ex-DFSC and three others in procurement case
Four officials arrested in Karnal over alleged multi-crore paddy procurement scam
In a major development in the alleged multi-crore paddy procurement scam in Karnal, four officials have been arrested by the Special Investigation Team (SIT). The accused include a former District Food Supplies Controller (DFSC), two serving secretaries of the Haryana State Marketing Board, and one suspended secretary.
The arrested officials have been identified as Anil Kumar, former DFSC of Karnal; Asha Rani, former secretary of the Market Committee at Karnal mandi who is currently suspended; Deepak Suhag, secretary of Market Committee at Jundla mandi; and Krishan Dhankar, secretary of Market Committee at Assandh mandi.
Police said Anil Kumar had earlier been arrested by the Anti-Corruption Bureau in a separate case registered in Gurugram. He was taken into custody in the present case on a production warrant. A production warrant is issued when a person already in jail in one case is required for questioning or arrest in another case.
The SIT is investigating multiple cases related to alleged irregularities in paddy procurement in Karnal district. Officials believe the scam involves discrepancies between official procurement records and the actual stock available at mandis and rice mills.
Investigation into record mismatches
The alleged scam came to light after physical verification drives were conducted at various mandis, rice mills, and storage points. During these checks, authorities reportedly found major differences between the quantity of paddy shown as procured in official records and the stock physically present on the ground.
Investigators suspect that large quantities of paddy were recorded as procured on paper but did not actually reach the grain markets. Such discrepancies raised questions about possible misappropriation of funds and manipulation of records.
The SIT probing the case is headed by assistant superintendent of police Kaanchi Singhal. So far, the team has investigated five out of six FIRs registered in connection with the alleged scam in Karnal district. The sixth FIR is being handled by a separate team led by DSP Rajiv Kumar.
Police said Asha Rani is considered one of the prime accused in an FIR registered at Karnal city police station. She had earlier been suspended by the state government over her alleged role in the scam. She was granted bail by the Punjab and Haryana High Court in that case.
However, she has now been arrested again in connection with another FIR registered at Karnal Sadar police station on October 30 last year. Officials said the fresh arrest was made based on evidence collected during further investigation.
Deepak Suhag was also arrested in connection with the same FIR, while Krishan Dhankar was held in a separate case registered at Assandh police station on November 11. Police said all arrests were made after examining documents and conducting preliminary questioning.
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Political reactions and wider probe
The alleged scam has triggered political reactions in the state. Several farmer organisations and opposition parties have accused the state government of trying to protect the “real culprits” behind the scam. They have demanded a transparent and thorough investigation to ensure accountability.
Opposition leaders have claimed that such irregularities affect farmers directly, as paddy procurement is a crucial part of the agricultural economy in Haryana. Farmers depend on timely procurement and fair payment for their produce.
Government officials, however, have said that strict action is being taken against those found guilty. They maintain that the formation of the SIT and the arrests show that the administration is serious about uncovering the truth.
The SIT is currently analysing procurement records, payment details, transport logs, and stock registers. Investigators are also questioning officials and staff members associated with mandis and rice mills to understand how the alleged discrepancies occurred.
Authorities have not yet disclosed the total financial value involved in the scam, but reports suggest that it could run into several crores of rupees. The term “multi-crore scam” is being used because of the scale of procurement operations in the district.
Police sources said more arrests could follow if evidence points to the involvement of additional officials or private individuals. The investigation is ongoing, and officials have indicated that no one will be spared if found guilty.
The case highlights the importance of proper monitoring and transparency in government procurement systems. Paddy procurement involves large quantities and significant financial transactions, making strict oversight essential.
As the probe continues, all four arrested officials are expected to be questioned in detail. The SIT aims to piece together the full chain of events, identify any loopholes in the system, and fix responsibility.
The outcome of the investigation will likely have a major impact on public trust in procurement processes. For now, the arrests mark a significant step in what authorities describe as an effort to clean up alleged irregularities in Karnal’s paddy procurement system.
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