Main accused in paddy scam arrested

Damoh(MP), Aug 30(UNI) Police has claimed to have arrested the main accused in the 26,000 quintal paddy scandal in Chhattisgarh Civil Supplies Corporation's godown at Kunkuri in Jashpur district.

Police said Sunil Nigam, who was absconding, was arrested here yesterday on a tip-off. The Chhattisgarh government had declared a reward of Rs 15,000 for his arrest.

Police said Sunil Nigam, resident of Barhi in Katni district, was staying at his in-law's house here ever since the scandal was exposed a year back.

About 26,000 quintal paddy valued at more than Rs 2.5 crore kept at the godown went missing last year and the stock was reported to have been diverted to rice mills of few influential politicians.

Police said Nigam had purchased a Bolero vehicle in the name of Ashok Agrawal and was plying it as taxi.

The Chhattisgarh police has been informed about Nigam's arrest, Additional Superintendent of Police D S Patel said.

UNI XC-SP 1051