Court-Ordered FIR Uncovers Alleged Multi-Crore Agricultural Subsidy Irregularities
- FIR registered against woman operator and departmental officials over alleged irregularities in Custom Hiring Centre - Farmers approach Rajasthan Agriculture Minister Kirori Lal Meena, who assures fair and transparent investigation Hanumangarh, Rajasthan: An alleged multi-crore subsidy scam under the Central Government's Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM) scheme has come under the scanner after the Court of the Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) directed the registration of an FIR. The Hanumangarh Junction Police have registered a case against Sheela Devi Ranwan, operator of Shri Balaji Krishi Udyog Custom Hiring Centre, along with departmental officials and employees whose involvement may emerge during the investigation. The FIR has been registered under Sections 318(4) and 316(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) following the CJM's order. RTI Findings Raise Serious Questions According to the complaint filed by petitioner Krishna Kumar, the Custom Hiring Centre at Rodawali, established to provide agricultural machinery to farmers on rent under the SMAM scheme, existed only on official records. When the complainant visited the centre to avail of the scheme's benefits, the premises were found locked, with no staff or machinery available. The complaint states that information obtained through the Right to Information (RTI) Act revealed significant discrepancies between official records and the actual ground situation, prompting legal action. Allegations of Subsidy Misuse The complaint alleges that several agricultural machines purchased with government subsidy were sold to other individuals before the mandatory retention period expired. It further claims that ownership of machines, including harvesters, was transferred to other persons in violation of scheme guidelines. The petitioner has also alleged that subsidies were claimed for certain equipment that was reportedly not eligible under the SMAM scheme. Department Officials Also Under Investigation The complaint accuses concerned agriculture department officials of failing to conduct mandatory inspections, GPS monitoring, verification of GST documents, record maintenance, and ensuring that machinery was actually made available to farmers. It alleges that official negligence or collusion resulted in misuse of public funds while genuine farmers were deprived of the benefits intended under the government scheme. Farmers Seek Minister's Intervention Following the registration of the FIR, local farmers approached Rajasthan Agriculture Minister Kirori Lal Meena, seeking a fair investigation. According to the farmers, the minister assured them that the matter would be investigated impartially, transparently, and based on facts. He reportedly stated that strict action would be taken against anyone found guilty of irregularities or corruption to safeguard farmers' interests and ensure that government schemes benefit eligible beneficiaries. The issue had also been highlighted a few months earlier during a press conference organized by the Kisan Youth Brigade at the district headquarters. Key Issues Under Investigation Investigators will examine: Whether the Custom Hiring Centre was actually operational or existed only on paper. Whether farmers received agricultural machinery as mandated under the scheme. Whether subsidized machinery was sold in violation of government norms. Whether departmental officials neglected monitoring responsibilities or were involved in collusion. Whether there were financial irregularities related to subsidy claims and GST documentation. Police Investigation Underway Hanumangarh Junction Police have begun collecting documentary evidence, departmental records, RTI documents, and other relevant materials. Officials stated that the investigation will proceed impartially in accordance with the law. The investigation is being conducted by Sub-Inspector Chuka Devi. Fact File Scheme: Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM) Issue: Alleged irregularities in agricultural machinery subsidy FIR Registered: On the orders of the Chief Judicial Magistrate Sections Invoked: BNS Sections 318(4) and 316(2) Investigating Agency: Hanumangarh Junction Police Investigating Officer: Sub-Inspector Chuka Devi
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