Jamshedpur: A case of grain embezzlement has surfaced in the Gwalkata Panchayat of Potka, where PDS dealer Mikki Hansda was found to have withheld rations from 203 cardholders for the months of November, December, and January. An investigation revealed the black marketing of approximately 135 quintals of grain, leading the District Supply Officer to suspend Mikki Hansda with immediate effect.
Investigation Reveals Theft
The market value of the embezzled grain is estimated to be approximately ₹5 lakh. Following the probe, the District Supply Officer issued an order suspending the operations of Mikki Hansda’s outlet and the Maa Mansa Mahila Samiti group. To ensure that the affected cardholders receive their due rations, their cards have been temporarily tagged with Uma Gupta, a PDS dealer from the Kalikapur Panchayat.
One-Week Ultimatum for Distribution
Mikki Hansda has been strictly directed to ensure the distribution of the pending 135 quintals of grain to the cardholders within one week. Once the distribution is complete, the dealer is required to hand over the e-PoS machine and weighing equipment to the newly tagged dealer, Uma Gupta.
Legal Action and Cancellation Warnings
Circle Officer (CO) Nikita Bala has clarified that if the distribution is not completed within the one-week deadline, the department will initiate the formal process to cancel the shop’s license. Furthermore, criminal proceedings for the embezzlement of government grain will be pursued against the suspended dealer to ensure accountability.
