Raju Shetti alleges Rs 500 crore scam in purchase of ration, materials for prisons, demands scrutiny of tenders

The founder of the Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana said besides ration, electrical equipment for the prisons is also purchased through a centralized process. “A huge discrepancy in their purchase has taken place in connivance of the officers. The officers and some contractors are embezzling crores of rupees from the prisons every year,” said Shetti.

He also alleged that the ration procured is of sub-standard quality. “Despite repeated complaints, no action has been taken by the state government or the administration,” said Shetti.

While talking about the alleged scam in crop procurement and the government’s one rupee premium insurance scheme, Shetti said, “The farmer’s suicide in Nanded could have been avoided if he had been given crop insurance in time. In many cases, the insurance money has been deposited into someone else’s account. This scam is widespread. An inquiry should be conducted. The resignation of Food and Civil Supplies minister Dhananjay Munde will not solve the issue.”

Commenting on Shetti’s allegation, Amitabh Gupta, who is currently on a central deputation, said, “The process regarding which the allegations have been made did not take place during my tenure. I cannot comment on it.”

Supekar, who is currently holding the charge of Special Inspector General with the state prison department, said, “The tender process is done as per government rules and regulations. It is a transparent procedure. The allegations that have been made are completely baseless. The matter is currently pending before the high court, hence I cannot comment further.”