Former fair price operator held in multi-crore food grain scam

In a press note shared by the EOW, the officials said the accused, Riyaz Ahmad, a resident of Chadwa Barwa village under Sikandarpur police station limits of Ballia, was arrested in Varanasi.

Lucknow The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of Uttar Pradesh Police has arrested a former fair price operator in connection with a multi-crore food grain scam that allegedly took place in the state between 2002 and 2007. The EOW has been investigating the case since 2010.

The scam reportedly took place in at least 31 districts of the state and food grains meant for distribution to the poor either for free or at highly subsidised rates were allegedly illegally diverted out of the state, and, in some cases, out of the country.

In a press note shared by the EOW, the officials said the accused, Riyaz Ahmad, a resident of Chadwa Barwa village under Sikandarpur police station limits of Ballia, was arrested in Varanasi.

An FIR was lodged against Ahmad at Sikandarpur police station of Ballia in 2006 for allegedly swindling food grains worth ₹60 lakh, the note added. Indian Penal Code (IPC) sections 409 (criminal breach of trust by a public servant), 419 (cheating by impersonation), 420 (fraud) and those concerning forgery; and relevant sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act were invoked against Ahmad.

The scam reportedly took place in at least 31 districts of the state and food grains meant for distribution to the poor either for free or at highly subsidised rates were allegedly illegally diverted out of the state, and, in some cases, out of the country.

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