Bengal ration distribution case: ED is now looking into the claims of the person who made millions by denying farmers of MSP

In the multi-crore ration distribution case in West Bengal, where thousands of farmers were denied the minimum support price (MSP) for the paddy they produced, Enforcement Directorate (ED) investigators have now launched a second line of inquiry.

According to sources with knowledge of the specifics, up until now, the central agency detectives had been looking into the main line of corruption in the ration distribution case, which involved the sale of flour intended for distribution through fair price stores at premium prices in open markets, specifically to packaged-flour marketing entities.

But concurrently, these scheming individuals had taken up a new dishonest scheme in which they paid farmers less for their paddy than the minimum support price (MSP) and then sold it to them for more. For the purpose of buying and selling rice, the conspirators established fictitious farmer’s cooperatives, according to a person with knowledge of the situation.

According to a source, the central agency detectives looking into the matter think that the amount of corruption in this line of business—depriving farmers of MSP—is far higher than that of the other line of business, which involves selling flour that is entitled to the public distribution system (PDS) and selling it on the open market.

According to reports, the conspirator in the first instance made money in two stages: first, by buying paddy at a price below MSP, and then, by selling it at a price higher than MSP.

According to preliminary estimates, the method generated a profit for these rice-mill owners of at least Rs 200 per quintal, most of which was sent to powerful patrons in the state department of food and supply and the governing party.

Given that farmers’ suicides due to their inability to even recoup the cost of produce have been on the rise in West Bengal for some time, political commentators predict that this new line of inquiry would further humiliate the governing party.