In a major crackdown on financial irregularities linked to the Bharat Rice Scheme, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) seized ₹2.02 crore in cash and bullion worth ₹1.12 crore during search operations conducted across Punjab and Haryana.
The raids, carried out on Friday under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), targeted multiple residential and commercial premises. The operation is part of the ED’s ongoing probe into an alleged rice distribution scam meant to benefit the poor.
The investigation was initiated following an FIR registered by the Vigilance Bureau last year against Gopal Goyal, owner of Shiv Shakti Rice Mill in Garhshankar (Hoshiarpur), Jai Jinender Rice Mill in Bathinda, broker Harish Kumar Bansal, and several others. The original scam, estimated at ₹1.55 crore, came to light when the bureau seized two trucks carrying 1,138 rice bags.
According to the ED, the accused procured rice at subsidised rates from designated government agencies under the Bharat Rice Scheme. They were tasked with cleaning, processing, and packaging the rice for distribution to the public at affordable prices. However, investigations revealed that instead of delivering the rice through official channels, the accused diverted the stock to other rice millers or sold it through unauthorized means for profit.
The ED is continuing further investigations to trace the complete money trail and identify all individuals and entities involved in the fraudulent operation.
