Adulteration in free ration: Soil, salt found in food grains in Amethi; FIR ordered

Amethi (UP): Serious lapses have been uncovered in Uttar Pradesh’s Amethi district, where food grains intended for distribution under the government’s free ration scheme were allegedly found adulterated with soil and salt, officials confirmed on Friday.

The irregularities came to light following a surprise inspection by District Magistrate Sanjay Chauhan at a fair-price shop in Jalalpur Tiwari village, under Jagdishpur block. Acting on complaints from residents, Chauhan visited the Annapurna Bhawan ration outlet on Thursday and examined the food grains and their packaging.

Initial findings revealed that “lumps of soil and salt” had been mixed with the grains, prompting the district administration to take immediate corrective action. The DM directed the district supply officer and district food and marketing officer to replace the contaminated stock with clean supplies without delay.

A high-level inquiry has also been ordered. A joint team led by the Additional District Magistrate (Finance and Revenue) — comprising the district supply officer, district food and marketing officer and the sub-divisional magistrate — has been formed to conduct a thorough investigation.

Based on the preliminary probe, Chauhan instructed officials to register an FIR against those responsible under relevant sections of the law. “The strongest possible action” will be taken against the culprits, he said.

District Information Officer Shiv Darshan Yadav noted that a similar complaint had earlier been lodged against a government ration outlet in Darpipur village. Following the latest incident, the DM also visited the site personally and questioned officials about the source and quality of the food grains.

Chauhan met with villagers during the visit. Many claimed, “This was the first time they had seen such poor-quality grains.”

He further instructed the officials to conduct checks at all ration distribution centres where complaints have been reported and to submit a detailed report by the end of the day. “No one involved in the wrongdoing will be spared,” Chauhan warned, reiterating that stringent action would follow against those found guilty.