Nexus between dealers and food dept officails alleged

Statesman News Service

MALDA, Nov 19: The arrest of MR dealer Naresh Ghosh last week against alleged corrupt practices concerning ration cards and distribution of MR items in Malda district and subsequent investigation on the issue has led to some serious exposures suggesting a nexus between the MR dealers and a section of food department officials.The Malda district administration launched an investigation into the alleged offence committed by the dealer. “The investigation conducted by officers of the Old Malda block reveals that the MR dealer was in cahoots with a section of food department officials and with their help used to arrange ration cards for the people against large sums of money,” said the Malda SDO, Ms Arunima De.According to her, people residing within 15 Kms of the Bangladesh border required permission from the district magistrate to obtain ration cards. “Food department officials cannot issue ration cards to such residents without the permission of the DM, which has happened in this instance proving a nexus,” the SDO, said. According to the report of the district administration's inquiry, Ghosh used to squeeze anything between Rs 1,000 to Rs 5,000 from the locals besides taking advantage of the women of the area, to arrange for ration cards. The matter came to light after locals of Jatradanga village, rose in revolt against his corrupt practices last week. An FIR was lodged against Ghosh and he was arrested. He was produced in Malda court on Friday and his bail plea was rejected. The administration suspects that several others could be more cases of this type but this requires a thorough investigation. The issue is likely to come up for discussions in the next administrative meeting with the food and supplies officials. DCFS Mr NK Saha was not available for comments.