In Chhattisgarh lakhs of poor families can get subsidised rice at Rs. 2 per kg through the state's Public Distribution System.
Chhattishgarh police investigating the multi-crore rice procurement scam appear to have prima facie cleared Chief Minister Raman Singh of any involvement in it. Speaking exclusively to NDTV, Additional Director General of Police Mukesh Gupta said, "Prima Facie there does not seem to be any involvement of the Chief Minister in the rice procurement scam under investigation."
Mr Gupta's statement comes in the backdrop of multiple raids conducted last month, where the police seized more than 300 documents and recovered Rs 4 crores in cash. As many as 28 raids were carried out, mostly on Civil Supplies Department officials, across the state.
Sources tell NDTV, that there are more than two dozen names of officials ranging from peons to department heads. These names were a part of meticulously maintained payoff records. Sources say, more than 50 entries were labelled as "for CM Sir" and the corresponding payoff amount against them is more than Rs 50 Lakhs.
"CM initials in the seized papers could also refer to Chinta Mani Chandrakar - an officer in the civil supplies department," says Mr Gupta adding that his department will not spare someone because of their influence of position.
The opposition in the state however is not convinced. A galvanised Congress has kick started a Padyatra to the capital where supporters are expected to converge on March 16 in a show of strength.
"We want the Chief Minister to resign and the CBI should conduct the investigation" said Bhupesh Bhagel, Chhattisgarh Congress chief, who is leading the protest.
Chhattisgarh has often been touted as a model state for its Public Distribution System by the BJP where subsidised rice is available to lakhs of poor families at Rs 2 per kg.
Reacting to the allegations, Mr Singh said "the Anti-corruption branch is conducting the investigations and will present its findings to the court"
Sources tell NDTV that investigations could be complete within a week followed by filing of the chargesheet soon after.