RAJANNA-SIRCILLA: The paddy procurement scam in the district is rapidly turning into a political flashpoint, with opposition parties claiming that a deeper probe could expose a wider network involving influential politicians.
The controversy intensified after the name of Swamy alias Gaddam Narsa Reddy, a Congress leader and close associate of Government Whip Aadi Srinivas from his native village, surfaced during the investigation. With police reportedly identifying instances of paddy being sold using forged transport records and other fabricated documents, questions are being raised over whether the scam was the work of a few individuals or part of a larger organised operation.
BRS leaders claimed that the irregularities uncovered so far were only “the tip of the iceberg” and alleged that a detailed investigation could reveal large-scale irregularities in both paddy and maize procurement. They also released photographs showing Narsa Reddy with Aadi Srinivas, alleging a close association between the two.
The opposition has demanded a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe, arguing that only an independent and transparent investigation can establish accountability.
Congress leaders, however, rejected the allegations, accusing the opposition of politicising the issue and targeting leaders who are gaining prominence in the region. They alleged that the claims were aimed at securing political mileage before the investigation was completed.
Earlier, police arrested six persons in connection with the scam for allegedly misappropriating government funds through forged procurement records and diversion of paddy stocks.
Investigators found that officials and staff associated with procurement centres and a godown allegedly created false records showing transportation and delivery of paddy. These forged entries were uploaded to the Civil Supplies portal, enabling the release of payments that were allegedly shared among those involved.
Police also found that several lorry loads of paddy procured from different IKP centres were diverted and sold to rice mills instead of being unloaded at the designated government godown. The proceeds were allegedly distributed among the accused.