Subsidised flour theft surfaces in Pindi
Amid a crackdown on wheat transportation in Punjab, wheat and flour prices have skyrocketed, leaving consumers in the lurch. Photos: Express/FILE
Police have uncovered the theft of subsidised flour under a Punjab government scheme in the Dhamial Police Station area of Rawalpindi, where it was being repackaged into different brand bags and sold at higher prices.
During a raid, police arrested five individuals and recovered a large quantity of flour and sewing machines used for stitching bags.
A case has been registered against six accused, including the owner.
According to police, information was received that subsidised government flour was being stolen and stored at a house belonging to Ismail in Mohra Chhappar, from where it was being filled into other brand bags and sold to shopkeepers at inflated rates.
During the raid, five accused, including Jamshed, were found filling government-subsidised flour into different brand bags.
Police recovered 150 empty government flour bags, 100 white bags filled with 10-kg flour, 350 bags of 20-kg flour, two sewing machines and thread spools from the spot. The accused, including Ismail, allegedly deceived the Punjab government and the public by stealing subsidised flour and selling it in private packaging.
A case has been registered on charges of theft, fraud and deception, and further investigation is underway with expectations of more revelations.