1,488 kg sand found in govt wheat consignment in Chuadanga, 3 arrested

Around 1,488 kg of sand and stones were found in a truck -- instead of wheat -- while unloading a wheat consignment at the government food warehouse in Chuadanga.

A case has been filed by Sadar upazila food inspector and officer-in-charge of Chuadanga Sadar Food Warehouse, Nazrul Islam, with Chuadanga Sadar Police station against 12 people and three organisations. The organisations are Jonaki Paribahan, Sarkar Enterprise and Sunrise Jute Traders.

All the wheat has been unloaded from 6 trucks but 3,771 kg of wheat were missing, and we recovered 1,488 kg of sand from the trucks, said Nazrul Islam.

Till now, police arrested three helpers of the trucks. The arrestees are helpers Rabiul Islam, Hridoy and Hossain Ali.

Hasanuzzaman, sub-inspector of Chuadanga Sadar Police Station, confirmed the matter and said that a case has been filed by the Sadar Upazila food inspector, claiming that the government wheat consignment arriving on Monday night was short of 3,771 kg of wheat.

An operation is underway to catch the rest of those involved, the sub-inspector added.

Additional District Commissioner (General) Nazmul Hamid Reza, also the convener of the investigation committee of the district administration, said that they primarily think the truck drivers and helpers are involved in the manipulation.

According to the agreement, 300 metric tons of wheat were to be sent to Chuadanga Food Warehouse through Sarkar Enterprise, Jonaki Paribhan and Sunrise Jute Traders transport contractor.

Accordingly, the first consignment of 100 metric tons of wheat arrived last Friday. On Sunday morning, when the second shipment of 100 metric tons of wheat arrived, 7 sacks filled with sand were found on a truck. Later, while unloading the other trucks, 28 sacks filled with sand were found.