Barnala order shocks CM

GANDHINAGAR, Sept 29: In a shocking development, Union Food Minister Surjit Singh Barnala is learnt to have ordered release of four persons booked by the State Government under Prevention of Blackmarketing Act, for alleged involvement in the supply of 8220;adulterated8221; groundnut oil for the mid-day meal scheme last year.

What appears to have shocked the Government more is that Barnala recently faxed a message to Civil Supplies Minister Jaspal Singh. ordering the release even as the four are absconding, Sachivalaya sources said on Tuesday. Singh refused to meet reporters.

The sources said what was surprising was the fact that even when none of the four was arrested in connection with the supply of 8220;adulterated8221; edible oil, a copy of the faxed message was sent directly to the jail superintendent at Bhuj, without taking the Government into confidence.