Jamshedpur: A major controversy has erupted in Western Haldipokhar Panchayat, where hundreds of ration card holders have accused a suspended Public Distribution System (PDS) dealer of black marketing essential commodities meant for the poor. The villagers submitted a joint memorandum to District Deputy Commissioner Ananya Mittal, demanding immediate recovery of the missing items and a fair re-investigation into the matter.
According to the memorandum, suspended dealer Utpal Bose is accused of siphoning off 18 quintals of wheat, 2.5 quintals of rice, sugar, and approximately 450 dhoti-sarees meant for the months of April, May, and June. The villagers also claim that backlog ration for October and November—including wheat, rice, sugar, and clothing—has still not been distributed, raising fears that these supplies have also been misappropriated.
The distribution responsibilities have since shifted to Bhrigu Kalindi, but villagers say that he has denied receiving any of the backlog stock. Meanwhile, attempts to get clarification from Utpal Bose have been met with evasive and allegedly threatening behavior.
Sources suggest that the missing ration stock is not reflected in the government distribution records, further strengthening suspicions that the commodities may have been sold illegally in the open market.
Villagers also voiced their dissatisfaction with a previous district-level investigation, alleging that it was one-sided and did not include input from complainants. They are now demanding a fresh, impartial inquiry in which their testimonies are formally recorded.
The villagers have placed three major demands before the administration: Immediate recovery and fair distribution of the missing backlog ration and dhoti-sarees. A fresh investigation in which complainants are heard and given due representation. Strict action against those found guilty, in accordance with the law.
Residents including Zikrul Huda, Jamal Khan, Abdul Hayat, Mohammad Wasim, Mohammad Jameel, Mohammad Nazim, Wajid Ali, and others were part of the delegation that reached the Deputy Commissioner’s office to voice their concerns. They emphasized that the poorest and most marginalized families have suffered the most due to the alleged black marketing, and urged the administration to uphold justice and restore public faith in the ration distribution system.
The district administration has acknowledged receipt of the memorandum and assured that the matter will be reviewed thoroughly.
