Haryana: No progress in probe into post-deadline purchase of paddy at Kaithal centres

By Parveen Arora

Over a week after an inquiry was ordered into alleged irregularities in paddy procurement at the Cheeka grain market and Arnoli purchase centre in Kaithal district, no progress has been made on the report sought from SDM Guhla by the Deputy Commissioner.

Despite the Haryana Government officially closing procurement on November 15, official records reveal that arrivals continued till midnight and procurement was carried out on November 16, pointing towards possible large-scale irregularities.

Deputy Commissioner Kaithal Preeti confirmed that she has not yet received the inquiry report, saying, “Let the report be submitted. Action will be decided accordingly.”

She also said that the administration is still waiting for the complainant to appear before the authorities. “The complainant did not appear. One more chance has been given,” she said, even though CCTV footage and procurement data are already available with the administration.

An insider within the Haryana State Agricultural Marketing Board (HSAMB) said that 48 gate passes were issued after the official closure time in Cheeka and 68 gate passes at the Arnoli purchase centre, raising serious questions over how paddy continued arriving when the government had already closed procurement. He claimed that no procurement was recorded at Cheeka and Arnoli for a couple of days before the close of the season. But suddenly, a large quantity arrived late on the last day, and procurement was shown on the next day, which was a Sunday. He maintained that, as per policy, procurement cannot be done on Sundays.

She also said that the administration is still waiting for the complainant to appear before the authorities. “The complainant did not appear. One more chance has been given,” she said, even though CCTV footage and procurement data are already available with the administration.

An insider within the Haryana State Agricultural Marketing Board (HSAMB) said that 48 gate passes were issued after the official closure time in Cheeka and 68 gate passes at the Arnoli purchase centre, raising serious questions over how paddy continued arriving when the government had already closed procurement. He claimed that no procurement was recorded at Cheeka and Arnoli for a couple of days before the close of the season. But suddenly, a large quantity arrived late on the last day, and procurement was shown on the next day, which was a Sunday. He maintained that, as per policy, procurement cannot be done on Sundays.

This article has been republished from The Tribune.