Fresh case against Sandhu in pesticide scam

Punjab Police have registered a fresh case against Mangal Singh Sandhu, who was suspended from the post of director of Agriculture Department yesterday after being arrested in the alleged pesticide scam.
"On the basis of the inquiry report of Special Secretary, Agriculture, Punjab, a case under Sections 420, 409, 120-B of IPC, and under Section 13(2), read with Section 13(1)(d), of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 has been registered at Mohali," Punjab Bureau of Investigation Director I P S Sahota said in an official release here.
The fresh case has been registered regarding purchase of spiromesifen pesticide (Oberon brand) by the Department of Agriculture for control of white fly pest attack on cotton.

The investigation into this case is being conducted by Assistant Inspector General of Police, State Crime Police Station, Nilambari Jagadale, the release said.
Punjab Government had yesterday suspended Sandhu after the submission of inquiry report which found serious irregularities in purchase of pesticides.
Sandhu was arrested on Sunday night from his official residence in Chandigarh by Bathinda police for his alleged involvement in the supply of "spurious" pesticides. The arrest was made based on a case registered under various sections of the IPC against Sandhu at Talwandi police station in Bhatinda.

The state government had ordered an inquiry into the irregularities in purchase of pesticides for cotton growers. The inquiry reported "serious irregularities/violations" in purchase of pesticides by Sandhu.

As per inquiry report, Sandhu chose to purchase 'Oberon' pesticide at his own level thus "ignoring" the orders of the Agriculture Minister that too "without examining" it technically and adopting e-tendering process. Also, he did so "without seeking" approval from the competent authority, thereby exceeding his financial powers.
A total 92,000 litres of 'Oberon' pesticide was bought at a cost of Rs 33 crore for distribution among cotton growers in the state.