Assam: Major FCI rice smuggling scandal uncovered in Kamrup

A major scandal involving the smuggling of rice by the Food Corporation of India (FCI) has been uncovered in Kamrup district. Allegations have surfaced against the Pasaria group for running an illegal operation in the fields, where FCI rice is transported to an unnamed warehouse.

Unscrupulous traders are reportedly involved in a black market scheme, where they close the main gates of the godown to conduct their activities secretly. This illicit operation has been ongoing despite attempts by Kamrup district administration officials and journalists to gain entry into the godowns, which have been denied.

The breakthrough came when a group of journalists, acting on a tip-off, captured footage of the illegal activities inside the godown using a hidden camera. The footage revealed the scale of the operation, prompting the officials from the Food and Civil Supplies Department of Kamrup to take action.

Initially hesitant, the Food and Civil Supplies Department eventually ordered a thorough investigation into the incident. A man named Bajaj has been identified as a key figure in the scandal. Bajaj, a well-known rice trader, is accused of repackaging FCI rice into sacks labeled “555” and selling it at inflated prices in the market.

Bajaj is alleged to have strong connections with certain political figures and officials in Kamrup, which has enabled the smuggling operation to flourish. Large quantities of rice have been moved in and out of the godown under this scheme.

The Kamrup district administration is now under pressure to take decisive action against those involved in this fraudulent operation. The public and various stakeholders are eagerly awaiting the next steps that will be taken to address and resolve this major scandal.

This article has been republished from India Today North East.