Lucknow:
The Central bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Saturday carried out searches at 12 locations in Lucknow in connection with the multi-crore foodgrain scam. The premises that were raided included two godowns of UP State Food Corporation.
Sources say the raids were part of the agency's probe into alleged black-marketing of foodgrain supplies under the Public Distribution System (PDS) between the period of 2002 and 2007. A case against this registered in December 2010 alleges that in Lucknow alone, foodgrains worth Rs 7 crore were pilfered by private businessmen during 2004 to 2006.
Saturday's raids focused on private players and godown incharges who had allegedly colluded to divert foodgrains meant for schemes like the Midday Meal.
PDS or Public Distribution System aims at providing food grains and other essential items to vulnerable sections of the society at reasonable (subsidized) prices.