CID probes CCI cotton scam in Hyderabad
HYDERABAD: CID has intensified its probe into alleged large-scale irregularities in cotton procurement, in which Agriculture Marketing Department officials are accused of facilitating fraud worth several crores using fake temporary registration documents to cheat the Cotton Corporation of India (CCI).
CID seeks comprehensive data on cotton purchases
Investigators have already questioned several individuals and seized key documents. As part of the next phase, the Crime Investigation Department (CID) has decided to collect detailed information directly from officials of the Agriculture and Marketing departments. The CID has written to both departments seeking comprehensive data on cotton purchases made from October 2001 to date.
Farmer registration process under scrutiny
The agency has asked for farmer- and trader-wise details in a prescribed format. Under existing norms, farmers intending to sell cotton at CCI procurement centres must first register their names with Agriculture Department officials in their respective mandals. Details such as season-wise cotton cultivation area, yield estimates, Aadhaar number and pattadar passbook information are recorded. Only farmers who produce these registration documents are eligible to sell cotton to CCI.
Temporary registrations allegedly misused
Given the large number of cotton growers, the Marketing Department had authorised marketing secretaries to issue Temporary Registration (TR) documents. Investigators allege that officials, in collusion with middlemen, misused this provision by issuing temporary registrations without verifying records. Using these documents, cotton was allegedly purchased at lower prices from farmers and sold to CCI at higher rates, resulting in illegal gains running into several crores.
With complaints emerging from across the state, the CID stepped in and expanded the scope of its inquiry.
Entities mentioned:
Cotton Corporation of India
Crime Investigation Department
Hyderabad
