Jodhpur: The agriculture department filed an FIR after a May 27 raid in Jodhpur uncovered over five lakh kilograms of groundnut stock stored illegally at Vinayak Cold Storage in Mandore. The complaint comes as the Anti-Corruption Bureau continues probing an alleged Rs. 2.5-crore bribery attempt linked to the release of counterfeit groundnut seeds worth about Rs. 15 crore seized in Bikaner, deepening scrutiny on the wider supply chain.
Details of the Raid
In its report, the department said the seized groundnuts belonged to two Gujarat-based firms associated with Kiran Kumar Kapadia, who has since been arrested. Mandore SHO Sheshkaran confirmed an FIR under provisions of the Essential Commodities Act based on the department’s submission.
During the raid led by agriculture minister Kirori Lal Meena, operators allegedly failed to produce satisfactory documents. Meena told media the consignment was from Gujarat, valued near Rs. 50 crore, and lacked valid licensing or authorisation.
Quantities Seized
Officials recorded 27,179 bags, each 20 kilograms, totalling 543,580 kilograms. “Notices had been issued to the concerned firms following this seizure seeking an explanation regarding the storage. After preliminary proceedings, the department formally reported the matter to Mandore police on Thursday”, said an official.
Political Reactions
Congress has alleged connivance and demanded Meena’s removal. The opposition party claims the minister should be held accountable for the illegal storage and potential links to counterfeit seeds.
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