Goa Congress seeks Guv's intervention in foodgrain 'smuggling'

by IANS |

Panaji, Nov 22 (IANS) Goa Congress unit has sought intervention of the Goa Governor in regards to alleged foodgrain smuggling racket busted by the coastal Police and has demanded a high-level inquiry under a retired High Court judge into the matter.

The Congress on Monday submitted a memorandum to Goa Governor Goa P.S. Sreedharan Pillai demanding his immediate intervention on this issue.

Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao, Quepem MLA Altone D'Costa and Senior Vice President of Congress Party M. K. Shaikh were present.

"The seizure of huge quantities of rice and wheat from a private godown during the raids conducted by the Crime Branch has exposed the scam of pilferage of foodgrains, procured by the Government for Public Distribution System," the memorandum stated.

"This is a matter of serious concern and needs to be investigated thoroughly. We had earlier brought to your notice the huge wastage of foodgrains like toor dal and sugar in our earlier Memorandum. We would like to bring to your notice that the government has no proper mechanism in place to monitor the procurement, storage and distribution of various Commodities," it said.

"It is a matter of concern that a loss of almost Rs 5-6 crore to the State treasury is incurred due to wastage of foodgrains. We demand for a high-level inquiry under retired High Court Judge of all Procurements and Distribution of food grains and commodities from 2020 onwards," it further said.

The Crime Branch of Goa Police on last Tuesday had arrested five persons for allegedly stealing rice and wheat from Civil Supply Department's godown for "smuggling" in Karnataka.

The police have seized 761 rice bags and 253 bags containing wheat in this connection.

Police have said that the accused persons were smuggling rice bags and wheat bags stolen from Civil Supply godowns from Goa. However, the Civil Supply Department has clarified that there is no 'mismatch' in their storage and supply.

Interacting with reporters, Yuri Alemao said that high-level inquiry under retired High Court judge should be conducted into this matter.

Latest News
Talks with Ukrainian FM focused on conflict with Russia, says EAM Jaishankar Fri, Mar 29, 2024, 03:49 PM
Started my career on shop floor of auto plant: Anand Mahindra to Elon Musk Fri, Mar 29, 2024, 03:42 PM
Chinese military offers help to Pakistan to curb terrorism Fri, Mar 29, 2024, 03:39 PM
Kangana Ranaut holds roadshow in Mandi, responds to Supriya Shrinate's 'bhao' jibe Fri, Mar 29, 2024, 03:36 PM
CPI tries to revive itself by launching ex-IPS officer in UP's Faizabad Fri, Mar 29, 2024, 03:29 PM
Mandya in Karnataka to witness mega clash between Kumaraswamy and Star Chandru Fri, Mar 29, 2024, 03:26 PM
I-T seizes unaccounted cash from Kolkata bizman's office Fri, Mar 29, 2024, 03:24 PM
Byju's EGM on rights issue ends sans objections, dissenting investors skip meet Fri, Mar 29, 2024, 03:12 PM
Anti-abuse provisions should not be used in receipt of capital from credible investors: Experts Fri, Mar 29, 2024, 03:09 PM
UP: Kamaal R Khan's brother to contest from Saharanpur on BSP ticket Fri, Mar 29, 2024, 02:59 PM
Pakistan: Alarm bells ring as judicial bodies gear up to protect their judges against 'targeted assault' Fri, Mar 29, 2024, 02:50 PM
Judicial probe ordered in Mukhtar Ansari's death Fri, Mar 29, 2024, 02:46 PM
Stories come knocking, characters start whispering to me: Filmmaker Rima Das Fri, Mar 29, 2024, 02:45 PM
Magisterial probe ordered into Mukhtar Ansari's death Fri, Mar 29, 2024, 12:52 PM
Delhi HC to examine Google's advertising terms for legal remedies in India Fri, Mar 29, 2024, 12:49 PM