FCI Corruption Case: CBI Conducts Searches at 50 Locations across 3 States; FCI DGM Arrested

The Central Bureau of Investigation(CBI) 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.

During the past six months, a massive operation known as “Operation Kanak” was carried out to collect actionable inputs, identify suspects, etc. regarding corrupt practises used by FCI officials, private rice millers, and grain merchants by way of giving undue gratification to specific FCI officials in exchange for receiving undue favours, etc.

A case was filed against 74 defendants, including active (34) and retired (3) FCI officials, as well as 17 private individuals and other entities. According to the allegations, FCI officials received a sizable bribe in exchange for doing favours for the private nexus operators. Further allegations included that private rice millers and grain merchants were paying FCI officials bribes in exchange for favours such as accommodating the procurement of subpar foodgrains, engaging in irregularities during routine operations such as the unloading of foodgrains, managing investigations into various irregularities, etc.

It was also claimed that officials conspired with rice millers to conceal stock shortages and accept low-quality foodgrains transported to other parts of the country. As part of the channelled corruption, the rice millers allegedly pay a large bribe to FCI officials such as Technical Assistants, DGMs, AGMs, and even the Executive Director.

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/-.

During the searches, cash to the tune of Rs. 80 lakh (approx.) was recovered from the premises of the accused, who included the Executive Director in New Delhi, the Technical Assistant (TA) Fatehgarh Sahib, the AG-1, FSD Sunam, the TA, Sirhind, the TA, Dappar, and the Manager (Lab), Chandigarh. In addition to the cash, several incriminating documents and digital devices were recovered. Other accused’s homes are still being searched.

Both of the arrested suspects were presented in front of the Special Judge for CBI Cases in Chandigarh and were remanded in custody for 5 days.