Authorities in Haryana have registered two First Information Reports (FIRs) against six commission agents (arhtiyas) in Karnal district following allegations of wheat procurement fraud. The scheme involved selling wheat originating from Uttar Pradesh under the names of registered farmers in Karnal, leading to irregularities in the ongoing wheat procurement season.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the action follows a detailed inquiry initiated after the alleged paddy procurement irregularities during the previous Kharif season. An Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) led team conducted the inquiry, submitting a comprehensive report to the Deputy Commissioner, Dr. Anand Kumar Sharma. The findings indicated a sophisticated manipulation of the procurement system, raising concerns about the integrity of government purchasing processes.
The inquiry revealed that the commission agents allegedly exploited the gap between the maximum permissible yield for registered farmers and the actual yield recorded on the Meri Fasal Mera Byora (MFMB) portal. This discrepancy was reportedly filled with wheat from Uttar Pradesh. The ongoing police investigation aims to determine the origin of this wheat, whether it was acquired at lower prices, and how it was integrated into the government system for sale at the Minimum Support Price (MSP).
Prior to the registration of the FIRs, the ADC-led team had already taken action by suspending the licenses of 13 commission agents. These suspensions affected four agents in the Karnal grain market, six in Indri, and three in the Biana sub-yard. These agents were reportedly involved in procuring wheat from Uttar Pradesh. Several tractor-trolleys carrying suspected illicit wheat were also turned away after verification by revenue officials at the Gharaunda grain market.
Sources indicate that these alleged fraudulent practices have resulted in financial losses to the government and have cast serious doubts on the transparency and credibility of the wheat procurement system. The Haryana government had implemented stringent measures for the current season to prevent such irregularities. These included mandatory farmer registration on the Mera Fasal Mera Byora portal, photographs of farmers with their loaded tractor-trolleys for gate pass issuance, Aadhaar-based biometric verification, and geo-fencing of markets and storage facilities for real-time monitoring of wheat transportation.
ADC Rahul confirmed that two FIRs have been lodged against the six commission agents. Three are from the Indri grain market, two from Biana sub-yard, and one from the Karnal grain market. These FIRs pertain to the procurement of wheat from Uttar Pradesh. A separate FIR was registered against a firm for allegedly mixing bricks in wheat bags intended for government delivery. Specific individuals named in the FIRs include Sandeep Kumar, Jai Bhagwan, Arun Kumar, Rai Singh, and Ankit Kumar, who were booked at the Indri police station. Harmeet Kaur was booked at the City police station for alleged cheating and misuse of the procurement system. Additionally, Deepak from the Kunjpura grain market faces a case for allegedly mixing bricks in wheat bags.
Deputy Commissioner Anand Kumar Sharma stated that a team led by the ADC was constituted after receiving reports of UP wheat being procured in Karnal markets. He affirmed that all facts have been verified and that further investigation is ongoing, promising strict action against those found guilty.
Superintendent of Police (SP), Narender Bijarniya, confirmed the registration of three FIRs based on complaints from Market Committee secretaries. Two FIRs are related to the procurement of wheat from Uttar Pradesh, and one concerns the mixing of bricks in wheat meant for government supply. The police have commenced investigations into all registered cases.
The Chenab Times News Desk