Massive misappropriation of food grains unearthed in Kupwara

October 26, 2025 by News Desk

A major case of mismanagement and suspected misappropriation of food grains has surfaced in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district, exposing serious lapses within the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs (FCS&CA) Department.

A preliminary report compiled by the Assistant Director FCS&CA Kupwara has revealed large-scale discrepancies in the allocation, dispatch, and delivery of food grains meant for snowbound and border areas of the district.

According to the report, an internal inquiry found that over 12,600 quintals of food grains were dispatched offline without authorization, while more than 1,300 quintals were received short at various sale centres.

At the same time, around 3,500 quintals of ration allocated for online distribution were unaccounted for, raising suspicion of diversion and embezzlement. The inquiry also detected that 748 quintals of ration meant for border dumping in Karnah Circle between December 2024 and June 2025 were never delivered.

The probe committee reported missing stock registers, irregular weigh check memos, and poorly maintained records, suggesting deliberate manipulation. It found that delivery orders had been bypassed and offline challans were created without authorization, obstructing transparency and accountability in the supply chain.

The discrepancies, according to the report, have severely affected public ration distribution in snowbound and remote areas of Kupwara.

Based on these findings, show-cause notices were issued to four officials — Waheed Ahmad Bhat (TSO FCI Kupwara), Aleem Nabi Mir (Assistant Storekeeper and SCM Operator), Javaid Ahmad Bhat (Store Clerk), and Rafiq Ahmad Dar (Assistant Storekeeper, Kulangam Granary). They have been accused of unauthorized diversion of ration stock, non-compliance with delivery orders, withholding records, and negligence of official duties. The officials were directed to explain their conduct within three days, failing which disciplinary action under civil service rules would be initiated.

Meanwhile, the Directorate of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Kashmir, ordered a series of administrative transfers through Order No. 820-DFCS&CAK of 2025 dated October 8, 2025, aimed at reassigning key officials in the district. As per the order, several Tehsil Supply Officers (TSOs) have been transferred or assigned additional charges.

Among them, Shabir Ahmad Khan has been posted at Awantipora, Suhail Sharief Wani at Pattan, and Ghulam Mohiudin at Singhpora Circle. In Kupwara, multiple TSOs have been directed to take charge of critical circles, while other officers have been instructed to oversee pending assignments until further orders.

Sources within the department told the news agency Kashmir News Trust that the reshuffle follows serious administrative concerns flagged in the Assistant Director’s report, which called for a high-level inquiry into the handling of food supplies and alleged misuse of government stocks.

Officials said that discrepancies between physical stock, online data, and POS records continue to be investigated, and accountability will be fixed once the inquiry is completed.

The findings have been forwarded to the Director, FCS&CA Kashmir and the Deputy Commissioner Kupwara for further action. [KNT]