Daijiworld Media Network – Bantwal (EP)
Bantwal, Aug 18: Thousands of quintals of rice supplied by the Food Corporation of India for distribution to ration card holders under the public distribution system (PDS) in Bantwal taluk has reportedly gone missing. Officials have visited the spot and are conducting investigations.
There is a shortage of at least 3,892 quintals of rice worth Rs 1,32,36,030. The manager of Karnataka food and civil supplies office, Sharath Kumar Honda has lodged a police complaint at Bantwal town police station in this connection.
The rice was stored in the godown in front of KSRTC depot, B C Road. Police have taken into custody godown supervisor Vijay and are questioning him. They have decided to arrest all the accused on the basis of information obtained from Vijay.
Meanwhile, MLA Rajesh Naik has written a letter to the deputy commissioner requesting him to conduct a probe into the matter and take legal action against the accused. “It is said that there were public complaints for some time about the misuse of rice distributed by the Food Corporation of India. Therefore, you should take personal initiative, get the amount of the storage of rice inspected and take legal action against the guilty,” he said in a letter addressed to the DC.
The DC has in turn ordered an investigation by KSFC officials. DC Mullai Mugilan and district SP C B Rishyanth paid a visit to the godown and held discussions with officials.
The DC said that the matter was brought to the notice of KSFC officials. The district officer of the Food Corporation of India has filed a complaint with the district police on directions from his senior officials.
"A clearer picture will emerge after a detailed investigation. I have asked KSFC state-level officials to visit the spot. They will be investigating and submitting a report," said DC Mugilan.