Hyderabad: BJP MLA demands CBI probe into rice procurement tenders

Shankar alleged that the Congress was looting government funds in the name of global tenders for 35 lakh tonnes of paddy.

Hyderabad: Adilabad BJP MLA Payal Shankar demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into an alleged multi-crore scam in the global tenders called for the disposal of 35 lakh tonnes paddy and procurement of fine rice.

Addressing a press conference here on Saturday, Shankar alleged that the Congress was looting government funds in the name of global tenders for 35 lakh tonnes of paddy. The companies which secured the bidding were supposed to lift the paddy within 90 days, but so far it had not done it, causing huge loss to the exchequer, he alleged, adding that the government was not imposing fine on them.

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As per agreement the companies were supposed to lift 35 lakh tonnes of rice and pay Rs. 7,245 crore within 90 days to the government, but the bidders were blackmailing local rice millers, demanding Rs 2,230 per quintal, which is Rs 200 more than their tendered rates, leading to Rs 700 crore scam, he alleged.

He demanded the government to immediately order a CBI probe into the scam.