New Delhi: Union agriculture and farmers’ welfare minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has ordered the immediate suspension of a ministry marketing officer following a complaint alleging that he sought bribes from two warehouses in Madhya Pradesh’s Sehore district.
The officer, identified as Anurag, allegedly demanded money during inspections in return for facilitating the release of warehouse subsidy amounts, according to the complaint.
A demand of ₹1 lakh was allegedly made from Shivay Warehouse in Bhairunda tehsil, while ₹60,000 was allegedly sought from Shri Krishna Warehouse in Beherakhedi village in the Rehti area.
The complaint was brought to Chouhan’s attention, following which the minister directed officials to take immediate action. The officer was subsequently suspended with immediate effect, the ministry said.
The action comes amid the government’s emphasis on transparency in the implementation of schemes involving farmers and agricultural infrastructure.
The ministry said complaints relating to alleged irregularities or bribery in government processes concerning farmers and warehouse operators would be taken seriously and acted upon.
The allegations against the officer are subject to the applicable departmental process and investigation.
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