Issuing a strict warning to anyone indulging in bogus milling in the state, Food and Supplies Minister Bharat Bhushan Ashu directed the officials to initiate stringent action against the offenders, even as 69 trucks of outside paddy were seized by the department.
According to the Minister, ”We had received secret information that paddy was being brought in the mandis of the state from outside states, especially from Uttar Pradesh by truck, for purchase and sale at cheaper rates.
Acting on a tip-off, teams of Food Supplies department, along with Punjab State Mandi Board officials and Punjab Police, conducted raids at various places, leading to seizure of 69 trucks.
These collective raids will continue to keep a check on the activity, the Minister added. He said the Food and Civil Supplies Department of Punjab would not allow any bogus billing in the state.
He also said that 12 mills were raided in the past and cases were registered, in view of bogus billing.
The Minister said that during this operation, 43 trucks were seized from Shambhu Border and Ramnagar of Patiala and one from Balbera, on which an FIR was registered against the owners of 24 trucks, while action was being taken on the rest of them.
Total 13 trucks were seized from Doomwali Barrier, Bathinda and FIRs has been registered. An FIR was also registered against ML Enterprises, Moga, as well against seven arthiyas in Machhiwara, Ludhiana.
An FIR has been lodged in Chhajli of Sangrur also.
