Groundnut stock found mixed with sand, pebbles; FIR soon

A large stock of groundnut procured by central agency NAFED has been found to be mixed with sand and pebbles, an official said today.

The groundnut stock was kept at a private godown at Jetpur town near here which was hired by the NAFED (National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd). The agency had procured it from a co-operative society in Junagadh.

"Nearly 30,000 sacks (each containing 35 kg) of groundnut kept at a godown in Jetpur and hired by the NAFED was found below quality as it was mixed with sand and pebbles", Rajkot Collector Rahul Gupta said.

"The NAFED has sealed the godown and an FIR would be lodged in this matter very soon," Gupa said.

The state government has taken a serious note of it and will take stern action in the matter, he said.

"We will not be spare anyone responsible for the adulteration once the FIR is lodged," Gupta said.

Rajkot Rural SP Balram Meena said while no complaint has been received yet, he has been informed about the matter by NAFED officials.