Jharsuguda: The Jharsuguda Pandaripathar-based Bajrangbali Rice Mill owner Dilip Agarwal was arrested on the charge of bungling paddy worth Rs 8.20 crore. He was produced in court and later remanded in Jharsuguda sub-jail after the court rejected his bail plea, public prosecutor Benulal Pradhan said Monday.
Earlier, three persons including the district supply officer was suspended in this connection. However, Agarwal was on the run after a case was registered with the CB. Later, he surrendered before the High Court to avail anticipatory bail a few days ago.
However, the HC rejected his bail and directed him to surrender before the lower court. Acting on the orders of the HC, Agarwal appeared before Jharsuguda ADJM court but bail was rejected again following which he knocked the door of the district court. But, again the bail was rejected and he was sent to the judicial custody.
According to sources, the mills had been provided 79,388.67 quintal of paddy for custom milling during 2016-2017 period. In return, the mill owner was supposed to return 53,984.30 quintal rice to the supply department.
However, Agarwal could only return 19,409.49 quintal of rice and had bungled the remaining 34,574.81 quintal rice equal to 50,845 quintal paddy worth Rs 8.20 crore.
In fear of arrest, he was on the run after depositing a fake bank guarantee of Rs 1.1 crore.
