Pramesh S Jain
A massive inspection drive by the Karnataka Lokayukta has uncovered widespread irregularities and alleged diversion of food grains meant for beneficiaries under the Public Distribution System (PDS),raising serious concerns over the functioning of government warehouses and fair-price shop supply chains.
Acting on multiple complaints and intelligence inputs regarding large-scale misappropriation of food grains supplied through fair-price shops across Karnataka,the Lokayukta registered a suo motu complaint and launched simultaneous inspections on Friday.
A total of 27 search teams were deployed,including 22 in Bengaluru Urban and five in Bengaluru Rural districts.
The inspections covered warehouses operated by the Karnataka Food and Civil Supplies Corporation (KFCSC), wholesale distribution centres and fair-price shops.
Rice Loaded Without Bills
At the Vijayanagar-1 KFCSC warehouse in Yeshwanthpur Yard, Lokayukta officials found a private goods vehicle loaded with 120 quintals of rice (240 bags) without any supporting invoices or transport documents.
During questioning,a fair-price shop owner initially claimed that the rice was being transported to his shop.
However,he later denied any connection with the consignment, raising suspicions of illegal diversion.
In another case,officials found records indicating that 100 quintals of rice had been dispatched from the NGG-1 warehouse without bills.
When contacted,the concerned fair-price shop owner informed Lokayukta police that neither an indent had been placed nor had any rice been received.
Stock Mismatches and Missing Records:
Several warehouses were found maintaining poor records,with significant discrepancies between physical stock and inventory registers.
At the Vijayanagar-2 warehouse,the manager was absent during inspection,while stock books and warehouse records revealed major inconsistencies.
Officials also found that CCTV systems were either absent or non-functional in several warehouses.
Transport vehicles carrying food grains lacked GPS tracking systems,and many warehouses did not possess basic fire safety equipment.
Government Rice Found in Private Warehouse:
One of the most significant findings was at a private warehouse owned by Subbaraju in Annapoorneshwari Layout of Dasanapura Hobli on Bengaluru’s outskirts.
Officials seized approximately six tonnes of rice,five tonnes of ragi, and between25,000 and 35,000 empty sacks bearing the Karnataka Government logo.
The premises also contained a 407 goods vehicle,three weighing machines and two rice polishing machines.
Preliminary findings suggest that the seized grains may have been diverted from the public distribution system.
Lokayukta officials have directed police to register a case and seize the stock for further investigation.
Hundreds of Quintals of Excess Stock:
At a KFCSC warehouse in HBR Layout,inspectors found an excess stock of 364 quintals of rice.Records showed that 21 truckloads of rice had allegedly been dispatched to fair-price shops.
However,verification revealed that the shops had not received the consignments.
Similarly,at the Vijayanagar-2 RMC Yard warehouse, officials found an excess stock of 50 quintals of rice and four quintals of ragi.
Shantinagar Warehouse Under Scanner:
A separate inspection led by Upa Lokayukta Justice B. Veerappa at the Karnataka Food and Civil Supplies Corporation warehouse in Shantinagar revealed additional irregularities.
Officials found discrepancies in rice stock records after warehouse authorities claimed that 600 bags of rice had been received and 330 bags distributed.
Physical verification,however, revealed 1,130 rice bags, exposing major inconsistencies in inventory records.
The inspection also revealed that five workers employed at the warehouse had not been provided life insurance coverage.
Lokayukta officials questioned the failure of labour department authorities to enforce mandatory welfare and safety measures.
In another instance,a worker identified as Gundappa, who reportedly suffered serious injuries while on duty, had not received compensation from either the corporation or labour authorities.
Transport Rule Violations:
Officials also inspected a truck parked outside the Shantinagar warehouse and found violations of transport guidelines applicable to vehicles carrying food grains under the Anna Bhagya scheme.
Mandatory markings,including the scheme name, consumer helpline number 1967,contact details of civil supplies officials and taluk information,were either absent or improperly displayed.
Investigation Continues:
Further inspections conducted at warehouses in Makali, Sunkadakatte and Kamakshipalya,as well as fair-price shops in Bhuvaneshwari Nagar,revealed deficiencies in stock management,unsigned receipts,lack of transport documentation and violations of prescribed operational procedures.
Lokayukta officials said investigations are continuing to determine the extent of the alleged diversion network and identify officials and private individuals involved in the illegal sale of food grains in the open market.
A detailed report and recommendations for further legal action are expected after the completion of the probe.
