PDS scam: CBI carries out searches in Lucknow

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Saturday carried out searches across 12 locations here in connection with its investigation in the Rs. 35,000-crore public distribution system scam in Uttar Pradesh.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Saturday carried out searches across 12 locations here in connection with its investigation in the Rs. 35,000-crore public distribution system scam in Uttar Pradesh.

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The scam relates to alleged diversion of foodgrain meant for poor people in neighbouring countries. The searches were conducted at the residential premises of class-III employees of the state food corporation, middlemen and some godowns, CBI sources said.

Sources said CBI investigators have named about 500 people in one FIR pertaining to Lakhimpur district.

While the CBI is probing the case in five districts, the rest are being investigated by state police. The Allahabad high court had asked the agency to take over the case in Gonda, Lucknow, Varanasi, Ballia, Lakhimpur and Sitapur districts on December 3, 2010.