Ration scam unearthed in Reasi: 22,000 qtls ration diverted
STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: The Jammu and Kashmir Anti Corruption Bureau (ACB) has registered a case against Pranav Gandotra, the then Tehsil Supply Officer (TSO) Arnas/Dharmari in Reasi district, along with other officials of the Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution (CA&PD) Department, for alleged large-scale misappropriation of ration and public funds.
According to officials, FIR No. 06/2026 has been registered at Police Station ACB Udhampur under Section 5(1) (c) (d) read with Section 5 (2) of J&K PC Act Svt. 2006 and 120-B and 409 of RPC in Police Station ACB Udhampur against Pranav Gandotra, the then TSO Arnas /Dharmari Reasi as well as then officers/officials of CA&PD Department and others and started investigation.
The case pertains to alleged irregularities during Gandotra’s tenure between April 2011 and January 2013.
An ACB spokesperson stated, “The verification conducted by the Bureau has revealed that the then TSO Arnas/Dharmari, in connivance with officials of the CA&PD Department, fraudulently obtained excess ration and misused transportation funds, causing substantial loss to the government exchequer.”
As per the findings, Pranav Gandotra allegedly received 22,298.80 quintals of excess ration beyond sanctioned limits. Additionally, an amount of approximately Rs. 103.63 lakh was drawn as transportation and carriage charges. Investigations suggest that the excess ration was not supplied to designated depots but was instead diverted and black-marketed.
“The investigation further indicates that Pranav Gandotra, in criminal conspiracy with other officials, abused their official positions to misappropriate government resources for personal gain,” the ACB official added. The ACB has maintained that such acts not only resulted in wrongful gain to the accused but also caused significant financial loss to the public exchequer, undermining the integrity of the public distribution system.
Officials confirmed that further investigation is underway to identify the role of other officials involved in the case. The Bureau has reiterated its commitment to ensuring accountability and transparency in public administration and has assured that strict action will be taken against all those found guilty.