Foodgrain scam: CBI arrests former sub-divisional magistrate of Uttar Pradesh

Lucknow, May 8 (ANI): The Central Bureau of Investigation has arrested the former sub-divisional magistrate of Gola, Uttar Pradesh in connection with his role in a foodgrain scam in Lakhimpur Kheri.

The CBI registered the case on the request of Uttar Pradesh Government, which has zeroed in on 104 persons.

It was alleged in the FIR that the accused persons had caused wrongful loss in crores of rupees to the Govt. exchequer in an illegal purchase; issuance of foodgrain by cheating, forgery, and preparing false documents under Below Poverty Line Scheme (BPL) sponsored by Government of India.

The accused had allegedly used the same as genuine and had also black marketed the essential commodities.

The CBI had earlier arrested nine accused persons i.e. four financiers, two middlemen and three former officials responsible for storage centres.

It was alleged that one of the accused was found involved in purchasing BPL foodgrain and exporting the same to Bangladesh for Rs.2.90 crores.

The middlemen, financers and others had arranged BPL foodgrain through illegal means and black-marketed the same.

The Director/ Partner of Gola(UP) based firm had deposited DDs on behalf of kotedars and managed to get issued BPL foodgrain and black-marketed the same.

Further investigation is continuing. (ANI)