5368 tonnes of food grains siphoned off from govt warehouses; investigation report surfaces

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A report by the Civil Supplies Department’s investigation team revealed that 5,368.82 tonnes (53,688 quintals) of food grains—including ration rice intended for the poor—were siphoned off from state government grain warehouses. This has incurred a loss of Rs 15.72 crore to the government. Disciplinary action, including the suspension of 34 employees, has been taken in connection with the incident. The police registered eight cases, and the Vigilance Department has also initiated a case. Details from the report—submitted to Minister Anoop Jacob—and the subsequent actions taken have now come to light.

It is suspected that the misappropriated grains were sold on the black market. The irregularities were uncovered during a data-gathering exercise conducted at NFSA (National Food Security Act) warehouses, Supplyco depots, and various outlets following the UDF government's assumption of power. The highest number of irregularities was reported in the districts of Alappuzha, Malappuram, and Kollam.

Based on the report, the Minister directed inspections at all depots. The number of NFSA warehouses will be reduced from 177 to 91, and surveillance cameras will be installed at all locations.

Subsidised Goods in the Black Market

1. Significant irregularities were reported at the Supplyco godown in Valiyathura, as well as at NFSA (National Food Security Act) godowns in locations including Venjaramoodu, Nedumangad, Konni, Kottayam, Tirur, and Vadakanchery.

2. Subsidised goods from the Pala depot were diverted to the black market. Items, including rice, were siphoned off from the Maveli Store in Thrikkur (Thrissur) and a supermarket in Nedumkandam (Idukki). Additionally, they diverted 260 sacks of 'Matta' rice from the Oravackal depot in Kottayam.