New Delhi: A CBI inquiry has been sought into the alleged diversion of food grains meant for BPL families in Uttar Pradesh to Bangladesh during 2001-2004.

In his petition, advocate Vishwanath Chaturvedi alleged food grains supplied by the Centre under Sampoorna Gramin Rozgar Yojna (SGRY) were illegally diverted to Bangladesh from Uttar Pradesh.

He claimed 30 district magistrates had written to the state government intimating the misappropriation in their respective areas but no action was taken.

The state's Principal Secretary (Food and Civil Supplies) wrote to Railways authorities in the areas concerned that indents for large number of railway rakes were placed by various private parties for the movement of wheat and rice to Bangladesh, Chaturvedi alleged.

He claimed the principal secretary felt "there was a possibility that the food grains were being diverted by vested interests through railway rakes to Bangladesh".

Special Secretary Hari Shanker Pandey, who was appointed by the state to probe the matter, found that Rs 457 crore had been misappropriated in Gonda district, Chaturvedi claimed.

Though the state at first decided to recommend to the Centre for a CBI inquiry, it later withdrew the decision, the petition said. Chaturvedi had approached the Allahabad High Court seeking direction to the Centre to conduct a fair inquiry. However, the court refused to pass any order but expressed its view that CBI should take necessary steps in the matter.

Source : PTI