Surat BJP leader among 8 booked for PDS grain theft

The Surat police have filed an FIR against BJP leader Manish Shah and seven others in a case of theft of grain meant for the public distribution system (PDS). 

The police action follows a raid at a privately owned godown on July 19. 

Acting on information that PDS grain was being rerouted to be sold on the black market, officials from the revenue and supply department raided the godown on Selamba–Panchpipri Road on the orders of the collector. They found 200 bags of grain of 5 quintals each, meant to reach economically weaker sections of society via ration shops, and a state-owned tempo used for transporting such grain.

Officials seized both the vehicle and the 1,000 quintals of grain. They then took statements from the owner of the private godown, the manager of the Food Corporation of India godown (where the grain was meant to have been stored), and representatives from Arihant Agro Sales, which has a contract for direct-store delivery, among others. 

While officials are yet to name a “mastermind” behind this operation, the primary investigation has put Arihant Agro Sales — owned by Manish Shah — at the centre of the nexus. 

As a contractor for direct delivery in Narmada district’s Sagbara, Arihant Agro and its sub-contractors in Tapi, Valsad, Chhotaudepur and Gandhinagar had unfettered access to the grain. The owner of the tempo seized in the raid — one Anand Vasava — and the owner of a fair price shop in the region — one Jaykumar Vasava — both work for Shah. Another name that has emerged in the primary investigation is that of Naveenlal Shah, who officials believe is Shah’s partner in crime. 

As authorities continue their investigation, further revelations are expected in the coming days. 

Meanwhile, this case has shed light on potential vulnerabilities in Gujarat’s PDS, and underscores the ongoing challenges in ensuring that subsidised foodgrains reach their intended beneficiaries. The alleged involvement of a political figure and the apparent complexity of the operation have raised concerns about the scale of the fraud.