All 5 Jhenidah LSDs closed as 20 MT foodgrains missing

The authorities have also ordered immediate probe and stock-taking, according to sources close to the probe body.

The action followed submission of a written complaint to the higher authorities by the Officer in-Charge (OC) of Jhenidah Sadar LSD that 20 MT of food grains were misappropriated when former OC LSD Abu Jahangir was in charge.

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Jahangir was transferred to Maheshpur LSD recently. He was replaced by by Rafiqul Alam.

The Jhenidah District Food Controller (DFC) has formed a 3-member probe committee comprising Swandip Kumar Das, Food Inspector in-charge (Technical) for Magura and Jhinidah; Abdul Kader, Harinakundu Upazila Food Controller (UFC) and Nazmul Haq, Sailakupa UFC.

The alleged misappropriation came to light after Jahangir was transferred, officials here said.

They said, 1,303 MT of rice and 155 MT of wheat were stored in the five LSDs in Jhenidah.

But Jhenidah Sadar OC LSD Rafiqul Alam's written allegation to Khulna Zone Food Controller showed that there was a shortfall of 20 MT in the LSDs, which was allegedly misappropriated when Abu Zahangir was in charge.

Following the written allegation, Khulna Zone Food Controller directed Jhenidah District Food Controller to close all the five government silos and begin a probe immediately. The stock-taking begins today.

When asked over phone, a top food official in Jhenidah said, "All the five LSDs have been sealed for investigation".

"I have also sought DC's (Deputy Commissioner) help and requested him to depute a magistrate on Saturday during the weighing of food grains.