ACB files FIRs in Haryana seed subsidy scam

The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has filed three FIRs related to a seed subsidy scam in Haryana. The scam involved wheat seeds that were meant for farmers at subsidized rates but were instead sold at higher prices in the market. Investigators found that 958 quintals of wheat seeds were fraudulently diverted. The seed program was introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic to provide farmers with high-quality seeds. The government purchased seeds at a cost of Rs 3,300 per quintal, offering them to farmers for Rs 2,300 per quintal. However, many farmers claimed they did not receive the seeds. The ACB discovered that salespersons forged records to make it appear as though the seeds were distributed to farmers who had not actually purchased them. The investigation began after farmers complained to the authorities. In 2022, a petition led to a court order for an investigation. The ACB started its probe in June and completed its report by November. This month, the report was approved, leading to the filing of FIRs. In Gurgaon, a significant number of farmers claimed that the records showed they received more seeds than they actually did. Some farmers said their signatures and Aadhaar numbers were misused. In Rewari, ACB identified more instances of fraud, with beneficiaries stating they did not receive the seeds documented in government records. Five government salespersons have been charged with various offenses, including breach of trust and cheating. The ACB is continuing its investigation to identify others involved in the scam and to trace the diverted seeds.