Monday, December 19 2005 15:22 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Patna: Taking serious note of the alleged bungling in the supply of subsidized fertilizers to farmers of Bihar during the period 1994 to 1998, the Patna High Court today (Dec19, 2005) directed the Union and state Governments to file reports by January 16 giving details of action taken against suppliers and officials involved in the swindling of money to the tune of Rs 5000 crore.

The direction was given by a division bench comprising Justice R N Prasad and Justice Chandra Mohan Prasad on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by an NGO 'Council for Protection of Public Rights and Welfare'.

Petitioner's counsel M P Gupta told the court that a large number of suppliers of the subsidized fertilizer drew about Rs 5000 crore with the connivance of the concerned officials of the Center and State Governments without actually delivering fertiliser to the beneficiaries.

During the past hearing of the case, the state vigilance bureau, probing the case, had told the HC that in view of a large number of suppliers hailing from outside Bihar and also involvement of officials of the Union Government it would be proper if the investigation was handed over to the CBI.

Taking serious note of the matter, the court sought details from the Union and the state Governments by January 16 about the action initiated against the culprits so far.