Wanaparthy: Rachala Yugandhar Goud, the State Chairman of the BC Political Joint Action Committee (JAC), has accused District Civil Supplies Officer (DSO) Kashi Vishwanatham of being involved in major corruption. He claims the officer collected large amounts of money by pretending to buy grain for the district. Goud submitted a formal complaint to the district Collector on Thursday.
Goud said that for several months, media reports have highlighted corruption and irregularities in the Civil Supplies Department, but senior officials have not taken any action. He questioned why the DSO continues to be protected, even though there is evidence that grain is being sent to mills without electricity or proper machinery.
The public now suspects that higher officials may also be involved in the illegal activities. Goud criticized the department for following different rules for small and large mill owners. He said officials claim that they don’t send grain to blacklisted mills or those with past violations, yet grain is still being given to big mill owners and association leaders. He accused district officials of misleading senior officers for bribes and doing anything for money.
In the Wanaparthy mandal, a rice mill without machinery or even electricity was still given grain. Recently, Vigilance and Enforcement officers discovered that 47,000 sacks of grain had been diverted from such mills. Goud said it was shocking that officials didn’t know for a whole year that milling equipment had been removed.
He added that a private person seems to be running the Civil Supplies Department in the district and called for a full investigation into the corruption. Goud said complaints have already been sent to the district Collector, the Civil Supplies Commissioner, and the Director General of Vigilance. He plans to report the issue to the Chief Minister as well, especially against senior officers who are supporting corrupt officials.
