Case Filed Against CA&PD Officials for Misappropriation of Food Supplies in J&K
Jammu, March 24, KNT: The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) of Jammu and Kashmir has registered a case against a former Tehsil Supply Officer (TSO) and other officials of the Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution (CA&PD) Department in connection with alleged misappropriation of ration supplies in Reasi district.
The FIR (No. 06/2026) has been registered at Police Station ACB Udhampur under relevant provisions of the J&K Prevention of Corruption Act and the Ranbir Penal Code, officials said.
The accused has been identified as Pranav Gandotra, who served as TSO in Arnas/Dharmari area of Reasi district between April 2011 and January 2013.
The case assumes significance as it involves alleged large-scale diversion of food supplies meant for the public distribution system, resulting in financial loss to the government.
According to ACB officials, a verification conducted by the agency revealed that the accused had fraudulently received excess ration amounting to 22,298.80 quintals during his tenure.
In addition, an amount of approximately ₹103.63 lakh was allegedly drawn as transportation or carriage charges in alleged connivance with officials of the CA&PD Department, including then Assistant Directors Trade and Stores, officials said.
“The excess ration was not distributed to the concerned depots and was instead black marketed,” an ACB official said.
Authorities said the alleged actions resulted in significant loss to the government exchequer while conferring undue benefits to the accused and others involved.
The FIR also names other officials and persons for their alleged role in the conspiracy, though further details are part of the ongoing investigation.
Officials said the accused persons, by allegedly abusing their official positions and acting in criminal conspiracy, misappropriated ration supplies and related funds.
Further investigation has been initiated to establish the full extent of the alleged irregularities and identify all individuals involved.
Background cases involving diversion of ration supplies have periodically surfaced in the region, prompting stricter monitoring of the public distribution system to prevent leakages and corruption. [KNT]
