Alleged Audio Clips of Rice Millers Collecting Bribes for Physical Verification Go Viral in Kurukshetra
In a shocking development, alleged audio clips have surfaced online, revealing that rice millers in Pehowa, Kurukshetra, are reportedly collecting money to be given to teams conducting physical verifications. The clips, which have gone viral on social media platforms, allege that a fixed amount of Rs 15,000 per rice mill was demanded for these verifications.
Details from the Viral Audio Clips
According to the audio recordings, a person can be heard stating, "As you know, the physical verifications of the rice mills are being conducted, Rs 15,000 per rice mill was fixed, hence all the rice millers are requested to deposit the amount and also clear the balance of previous collection." In another clip, a miller mentions that an urgent meeting has been called regarding the physical verification, noting that the team is strict and all rice millers should attend to discuss matters with them.
This controversy emerges just days after an FIR was registered against a rice miller for missing paddy stock worth approximately Rs 5.80 crore from a mill in Pehowa during a physical verification on March 17. The paddy, allocated for custom milling during the 2025-26 kharif season, was supposed to be delivered to the Food Corporation of India (FCI).
Farmer Union Demands CBI Inquiry
Bhartiya Kisan Union (Pehowa) spokesman Prince Warraich has strongly condemned these alleged activities. He stated, "The farmer unions have been demanding a CBI inquiry into the paddy scam in Haryana. Despite repeated requests and protests, the government is yet to take any major step. Even the FIRs registered and the actions were merely an eyewash."
Warraich further added, "It has come to our notice that the rice millers have collected Rs 15,000 each for the teams going for physical verification to get the report of PVs in their favour. The administration should take strict action against the rice millers, else the union will give a call for a big agitation."
Administrative Actions and Show-Cause Notices
In response to the earlier paddy scam, the District Food and Supplies Controller (DFSC) had issued show-cause notices to an inspector of the Food and Supplies Department and an Assistant Food and Supplies Officer for alleged negligence in duty. However, the recent audio clips suggest that corruption may be more widespread, raising serious concerns about the integrity of the physical verification process.
The allegations highlight potential systemic issues in Haryana's agriculture sector, particularly in custom milling operations. As the clips continue to circulate online, public pressure is mounting on authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure accountability.
