STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: Faced with multi-crore scams and a series of FIRs registered with State Vigilance Organisation and Crime Branch Wings of Jammu and Kashmir Police, the CAPD Department now renamed as Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department has once again landed in controversy, as Vigilance sleuths simultaneously conducted raids at more than a dozen places in Jammu, Samba, Ramban, Kishtwar, Kalakote and Poonch districts.
SSP Vigilance Shabir Mailk said, the SVO sleuths on Wednesday conducted joint surprise checks on receipts of inputs of foodgrain stocks and complaints regarding misappropriation in supply of ration to the genuine ration card holders as per category/ration cards by the CAPD Department Jammu Division.
It was also reported that higher rates were being charged from ration card holders and ration being sold in black market.
The checks were also conducted to investigate the complaints regarding misappropriation in the carriage charges, causing loss to the state exchequer, said SSP Malik.
He said relevant records have been seized on spot for scrutiny from the offices of TSOs of Akhnoor , Samba, Ramban, Kishtwar, Kalakote and Mandi.
Records from the randomly selected dealers were also seized for examination and scrutiny. Besides, more records will be requisitioned / seized during the course of investigation to ascertain the facts, stated the SSP.
Here it is relevant to mention that there are large scale bungling in the Food and Supplies (CAPD) Department.
The scams unfold the state of affairs and lack of monitoring at the highest level that has encouraged unscrupulous elements to swindle and plunder in connivance with officials from top to bottom.
Besides the involvement of former Directors, Deputy Directors, Assistant Directors, there is a huge list of officials booked in FIRs registered by SVO and CB.
Former Director CAPD Hemant Kumar Sharma, involved in Rs 25 lakh transportation scam, is facing investigations. He, along with three Assistant Directors, is currently on pre-arrest bail, evading their custodial interrogations. Hemant was promoted to IAS cadre after the registration of case.
Embezzlement and misappropriation of ration and its carriage is a common feature in CAPD. There is generally a nexus between the concerned staff, dealers, and higher ups. Over the years, such acts have been put under carpet due to involvement of politicians, officials and dealers.
There are number of similar cases of the CAPD department. This has virtually led to chaos and confusion in the department with unscrupulous officers and employees making hay when the sun shines. This has deprived the targeted population especially those living below the poverty line of much needed rations, which finds its way direct to black market. At the grass roots level, the department is ruled by the class fourth employees. Those holding key positions in CAPD are involved in several cases of corruption with FIRs lodged against them in the State Vigilance Organisation and Crime Branch.
