In a significant breakthrough, the Punjab Police's State Special Operation Cell (SSOC) has arrested a key accused in a massive wheat scam worth approximately ₹15 crore from the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi. The accused, identified as Rohit, son of Raj Kumar, was working as an official with the Central Warehousing Corporation and had been evading arrest for his involvement in the sophisticated food grain fraud.
The Airport Arrest and Investigation Details
The dramatic arrest took place on Monday when Rohit was apprehended by a dedicated police team from the SSOC Amritsar unit. According to official statements, the accused had been deliberately avoiding investigation and was attempting to flee when authorities tracked him down at the country's busiest airport. Rohit, who resides in Urban Estate, Phase-II, in Jalandhar, was immediately taken into custody and subsequently presented before the court, which granted the police four days of physical remand for further interrogation.
Investigators revealed that Rohit played a crucial role in the elaborate scam that involved the illegal disposal of wheat stocks from government warehouses. The fraud came to light following complaints about suspicious activities in the warehousing system, prompting a thorough probe by the special operations cell.
The Modus Operandi and Scale of Fraud
The wheat scam, estimated to be worth around ₹15 crore, involved sophisticated manipulation of warehouse records and systematic diversion of food grains. As a warehousing official, Rohit allegedly exploited his position to facilitate the illegal movement and sale of wheat stocks meant for public distribution and other government schemes.
Police sources indicate that the accused and his accomplices developed an elaborate system to bypass security measures and documentation requirements at the warehouses. The investigation has uncovered evidence suggesting that the gang operated across multiple locations, using fake documents and manipulated records to conceal their activities over an extended period.
The special cell has been investigating this case for several months, following specific intelligence about organized corruption within the warehousing system. The arrest of Rohit marks a crucial development in the ongoing probe, with authorities expecting to uncover more details about the network involved in the scam.
Legal Proceedings and Ongoing Investigation
Following his arrest, the accused was formally charged under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code pertaining to cheating, criminal conspiracy, and corruption. The court's decision to grant four days of physical remand will enable investigators to conduct intensive questioning and potentially recover crucial evidence related to the scam.
Police officials have indicated that they are investigating the possibility of more individuals being involved in the racket. The interrogation focus includes identifying other government officials, middlemen, and buyers who may have participated in or benefited from the illegal wheat disposal operation.
This case highlights the ongoing challenges in securing government food storage systems and preventing organized theft of essential commodities. The Punjab Police have assured that they will continue their rigorous investigation to ensure all responsible parties are brought to justice and to recover the financial losses suffered by the government exchequer.
The arrest has sent shockwaves through the warehousing and food distribution sectors in Punjab, prompting calls for stricter monitoring and enhanced security measures at government storage facilities across the state.
