Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 27:
Following the strict instructions issued by the Chief Secretary to pull up and detain under NSA all those involved in swindling around 2000 quintal of AAY and BPL rice quota meant for Senapati district for the month of April, 2007 by forging the signatures of Deputy Commissioner and District Supply Officer of Senapati district, the police has started investigating the case.
Conveying this to The Sangai Express, a reliable source disclosed that the rice quota had been intercepted before it reached Imphal from the FCI godown at Dimapur itself.
Taking the matter seriously, Chief Secretary Jarnail Singh yesterday issued strong instructions to the Deputy Commissioner and the DPC to conduct an inquiry into the matter and book all those involved under NSA, the source disclosed.
There is the possibility of involvement of the transport contractor who is also the agency concerned in the case, the source added.
Confirming the receipt of the instruction from the Chief Secretary for conducting an inquiry and to book all those involved in the scam, Deputy Commissioner of Senapati district Dr Prem informed that the rice quota had been swindled by forging his signatures as well as that of the District Supply Officer.
He asserted that the incident occurred while he was on leave.
When contacted, DGP Y Joykumar said in accordance with the instruction of the Chief Secretary, the Police Department has started investigating the matter and the task has been entrusted to a Special Task Force of the Police.
It may be mentioned here that the State Cabinet had earlier resolved to hand over the responsibility of lifting the respective rice quota to the Deputy Commissioners concerned instead of appointing transport contractors by the Government.
The Cabinet had also decided that the fare for lifting the rice quota should be fixed by the FCI on the basis of per quintal per kilometre.