Nagpur Police Uncover Major Wheat Diversion Racket in Kapsi Buzurg Raid
In a significant crackdown on illegal activities, the Nagpur city police conducted a raid on a grain godown located in Kapsi Buzurg, exposing a large-scale storage and processing operation involving government-subsidised wheat. This operation was carried out in clear violation of the Essential Commodities Act, highlighting serious breaches in the food distribution system.
Massive Seizure Valued at ₹1.2 Crore
The raid, which took place on Saturday around 10:30 AM, resulted in the seizure of over 2,20,930 kilograms of wheat, along with multiple vehicles used in the illicit operation. The total estimated value of the confiscated items amounts to a staggering ₹1.2 crore. Officials revealed that the wheat, priced at ₹35 per kilogram, was allegedly being diverted for illegal milling purposes, undermining government efforts to provide affordable food to the public.
Tip-Off Leads to Racket Bust
The operation was initiated after Police Constable Arun Chandne, who is attached to the office of Deputy Commissioner of Police Niketan Kadam, received a credible tip-off regarding unauthorised hoarding and milling of wheat under the government food distribution scheme. Acting swiftly on this information, Chandne and his team, under the close supervision of senior officials, successfully busted the racket. It was discovered that this clandestine operation had been running for several months, evading detection until now.
Details of the Confiscated Items
Authorities confiscated wheat stored in numerous sacks and seized six loaded vehicles involved in the illegal activity. The breakdown of the haul includes:
- A mini truck containing 80,000 kg of wheat, valued at ₹28,00,000.
- Another mini carrier with 93,500 kg of wheat, worth ₹32,72,500.
- A four-wheeler loaded with 14,370 kg of wheat, priced at ₹5,02,950.
- Pickup vans carrying 16,480 kg and 6,180 kg of wheat, respectively, valued at ₹5,76,800 and ₹2,16,300.
- A light vehicle with 2,460 kg of wheat, worth ₹86,100.
Legal Action and Arrests
Offences have been registered under Sections 3 and 7 of the Essential Commodities Act at the Pardi police station. The primary accused include owner Dhanraj Purohit, a 45-year-old resident of Quetta Colony, and manager Mukesh Thakur, a 30-year-old from Kudila village in Jehanabad district, Bihar. Thakur has been arrested in connection with the case, while investigations are ongoing to determine the full extent of the racket and identify any other individuals involved.
This raid underscores the vigilance of law enforcement agencies in combating fraud within government subsidy schemes and ensuring the proper distribution of essential commodities to those in need.
