Chhattisgarh’s crackdown on paddy procurement corruption took a decisive turn in Baloda Bazar, where police registered an FIR against a committee manager caught red-handed in a fictitious weighing scam. The episode at Kharthora’s procurement hub reveals how insiders exploit their positions to defraud the government and betray farmers.
On January 21, 2026, Durgesh Kumar Gendre, the center’s in-charge, abused a token under his brother Surendra’s name to log 21.20 quintals from 53 bags of sarna paddy that never arrived. He issued bogus weighment documents, updated the online portal fraudulently, and simulated a payment transaction worth over Rs 50,000. Such calculated fraud circumvents mandatory checks like physical inspection and real-time verification.
Alert district administration swiftly initiated inquiries after spotting anomalies. Confirming the manager’s breach of policy, officials wasted no time filing FIR No. 96 at Palari thana. This action serves as a stern warning amid the bustling procurement drive, where delays or deceit could cripple farmer livelihoods.
As procurement peaks, this incident highlights systemic vulnerabilities. Financial damage is evident, but the ripple effects erode confidence in a process vital for millions. Officials assure comprehensive probes, hinting at potential broader complicity. Strengthening digital audits and on-ground surveillance emerges as key to restoring integrity, ensuring every quintal counts and every farmer is paid justly.