Markfed scam: Odisha govt orders vigilance probe

Bhubaneswar: Odisha government today ordered a vigilance probe into the alleged irregularities in paddy procurement by the officials of the Odisha State Co-operative Marketing Federation Ltd (Markfed) in Kendrapara district.

The decision of the government came against the backdrop of an audit report that revealed irregularities by the Markfed officials responsible for procurement of paddy in the district in 2015-16.

The report also revealed procurement of paddy only on papers following corruption to the tune of several lakhs by the Markfed authorities.

The government has also ordered surcharge proceedings against the corrupt officials within two months and stringent action against the involved millers.

Besides, the cooperation ministry has ordered an inquiry into the alleged irregularities in paddy procurement in Kandarpur cooperative society in Cuttack district. A letter in this regard has reportedly been sent to the Registrar.

"We have already ordered a vigilance inquiry into the Kendrapara issue. Police complaints have been filed in some other cases," said Cooperation Minister Surya Narayan Patro.