Delay in FIR against defaulting mill raises questions

Nalgonda: Lalitha Rice Mill, on the outskirts of Kishtapuram village in Miryalaguda mandal, has come under scrutiny after officials reportedly found that paddy worth Rs 9.79 crore had been misappropriated. Civil Supplies officials have recommended criminal action against the mill management, but the alleged delay in registering a case and arresting the accused has triggered criticism.

The alleged scam in the Custom Milling Rice (CMR) system came to light in the erstwhile Nalgonda district, with vigilance inspections exposing suspected diversion and sale of government paddy meant for supplying rice to the public distribution system. During a recent inspection of the mill, vigilance officials reportedly found substantial discrepancies between the stocks recorded in official documents and the quantities available at the premises. During the 2022-23 season, dues of around Rs 69 lakh reportedly remained outstanding against an amount of Rs 2.08 crore.

For the 2024-25 rabi season, the mill received 2,457 metric tonnes of paddy from the government and was required to deliver 1,647 metric tonnes of rice. However, it supplied only 1,291 metric tonnes, leaving a shortfall of 356 metric tonnes. Officials reportedly assessed the outstanding value at around Rs 2.08 crore.

The alleged irregularities continued during the 2025-26 kharif season. After receiving 1,072 metric tonnes of paddy, the mill supplied only 220 metric tonnes of rice to the government. Officials have also identified substantial outstanding dues relating to this season and the subsequent rabi account.

According to the assessment cited by officials, the total value of the government paddy allegedly diverted or misappropriated by the mill management stands at Rs 9.79 crore.

With CMR rice deliveries pending at around 140 mills across the undivided district, concerns are mounting over the alleged misuse of government stocks and the delay in taking action against those responsible.

There are also allegations that the mill management is approaching political leaders to exert pressure and avoid action. These claims could not be verified.

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Deekonda Ravi Shankar

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