Corruption in public distribution systems took a hit as CBI swooped down on FCI’s Chandausi depot in Uttar Pradesh, apprehending two senior officials in the act of taking bribes. The Wednesday raid stemmed from a private supplier’s grievance, highlighting systemic rot in food grain management.
According to the complaint, the firm owner had stacked 16 rice heaps at Babrala depot and eyed eight more deposits. The in-charge brazenly sought Rs 50,000 for clearing the existing stacks, piling on Rs 15,000 per additional stack. The depot manager’s involvement came to light during preliminary probes, painting a picture of organized graft.
Deploying a classic trap operation, CBI agents witnessed the officials pocketing Rs 30,000 as the initial payoff for stack verification and ongoing support. Immediate arrests followed, coupled with thorough searches at their residences and offices, seizing incriminating papers that bolster the case.
Bribery plagues FCI operations nationwide, with common tactics including lax quality inspections and expedited clearances for kickbacks from millers and haulers. This bust underscores CBI’s relentless pursuit of graft, building on past exposures like Punjab’s truck rackets and arrests across states.
As investigations deepen, authorities suspect a broader network, maintaining vigilance through extended raids and questioning. The accused now face court custody, marking another victory in the battle against entrenched corruption in essential services.