(Chd,Pb)SAD Demands Independent Probe into ‘Seed Scam’ in Punjab
Shiromani Akali Dal on Thursday demanded an independent probe while terming the reported vigilance investigation as a cover-up exercise’.
The party submitted memorandums to deputy commissioners across Punjab in this regard.
In the memorandum, SAD leaders demanded that all those responsible for the supply and sale of spurious paddy seeds should be arrested and farmers be compensated.
The Shiromani Akali Dal had claimed that a close associate of cabinet minister Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa was allegedly involved in the supply of spurious seeds, which were not approved for sale by the Punjab Agricultural University (PAU).
SAD leader Bikram Singh Majithia told mediapersons in Amritsar that the Vigilance Department was not expected to act against the state minister.
Senior party leader Dr Daljit Singh Cheema said only custodial interrogation of the seed supplier could unravel the entire scam and demanded an independent probe into it.
The leaders further said seeds, which earlier cost Rs 70 per kg, were sold at Rs 200 per kg to farmers by the scamsters .
A raid was conducted at a seed store in Ludhiana and more than 750 quintals of seed packaged as PR-129 and 100 quintals of seed packaged as PR-128 were seized,