Massive Scam Uncovered: Rice Worth ₹5.20 Crore Missing From Assam FCI Godown

Sujon Chakraborty, Correspondent: A major scandal has rocked Assam’s public food distribution system after rice worth an estimated ₹5.20 crore vanished from a Food Corporation of India (FCI) warehouse. The incident, discovered during an internal stock verification at the Dhemaji FCI godown, has triggered severe public outrage and raised serious questions about the integrity of essential supply-chain monitoring in the state.

According to official reports, nearly 26,800 bags of rice allocated for the Public Distribution System (PDS) and the Mid-Day Meal Scheme were found missing. These stocks were meant for poor households and schoolchildren—making the disappearance not just a financial crime, but a direct attack on the food security of vulnerable communities.

Following the revelation, FCI’s Lakhimpur Division has suspended five officials, including godown in-charge Rakesh Das, pending a full investigation. A probe committee led by AGM Niranjan Jangri has been formed and has already begun efforts to trace the missing rice, uncover operational lapses, and determine potential internal collusion.

The scandal has triggered widespread anger among local residents, civil society organisations, and social welfare groups, who are demanding strict accountability and immediate action against those responsible. Many have pointed out that such large-scale misappropriation is impossible without systemic corruption and long-term manipulation of records.

As the investigation gains pace, the disappearance of rice meant for the poorest sections of society stands as a glaring reminder of the urgent need for transparency and reform in Assam’s food distribution network. Authorities are now under intense pressure to deliver swift justice and restore public trust.

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