Fraud victims seek justice
Victims of the BPL card fraud have demanded a probe into the multi-crore scam by an appropriate authority.
Victims of the BPL card fraud have demanded a probe into the multi-crore scam by an appropriate authority.
The scam related to a forged list of BPL beneficiaries in which unscrupulous elements in the Food and Civil Supplies Department had included names of certain individuals, without their knowledge, so that they could sell items distributed through ration shops in the black market.
The victims, including a retired major general of the Indian Army, have also threatened legal action against the culprits.
“I have decided to take the case to its logical conclusion. I am deeply hurt and anguished after my name appeared in the newspaper report. I did carry a green ration card which expired in 2003 and I neither used it for drawing ration nor did I apply for a BPL card. I stay in a 350sq yard house not in 2,500 sq yard as was reported,” said major general (retired) Samay Ram, a resident of Sector 5.
Meanwhile, the administration has initiated an investigation. However, the divisional commissioner, in his probe, found that the BPL card made in the name of retired major general was a fake and the serial number used on this card actually belonged to someone else.
Hindustan Times, in its July 2 edition, had reported that more than 30,000 fake BPL cards were in circulation.
Another resident Pradeep Kataria, whose name also figures in the fake list, said his name was included without his knowledge. Gurgaon deputy commissioner PC Meena said a probe was on and the culprits would not be spared.
He said, “A fresh list of BPL card holders would be prepared.” While terming the fake BPL card issue as baseless, divisional commissioner TK Sharma said the list has been placed on the website www.gurgaon.gov.in. “The name of the retired army official does not figure in the BPL list. At serial number 339, it is not Samay Ram's but one Amarnath's name figures.”