Trucks carrying PDS Wheat seized in Khordha

Khordha police seized 14 trucks carrying large amount of wheat meant for the distribution to consumers. The drivers of the trucks were detained in connection with the irregularities in public distribution system (PDS).

After the Opposition Congress stalled the House last week over the alleged PDS wheat scam, police seized the trucks, which were missing on March 14 on their way from the Food Corporation of India (FCI) office in Jatni to Supply Corporation’s depot.

The scam was first reported on OTV following which police had begun their investigation. Police had registered a case and issued notices to the truck drivers under 91 CrPC after they failed to seize the trucks earlier.

The drivers had admitted their crime. They revealed that the trucks carrying subsidized wheat were handed over to the Contractor Vijay Kumar Agrawal. Police have formed two teams to conduct raids at various places in Cuttack, Bhubaneswar and Jatni to nab the contractor, the prime accused in the case.

Last week, Food Supplies minister Pratap Keshari Deb had informed the House about the case filed against the contractor who is involved in the supply of food grains.

OTV had reported that nine trucks carrying subsidized wheat went missing on March 14 from the FCI office in Jatni. Following the report, Congress members in the House had attacked the government saying black marketing and unethical practices were rampant in the state in the subsidised food grains under PDS, which is provided by the Centre.