Madhya Pradesh Wheat MSP Scam Revealed As Records Fudged In Procurement Case
Wheat procurement scam in Madhya Pradesh exposed by officials.
A suspected multi-crore wheat procurement scam has been detected in Madhya Pradesh, with authorities alleging large-scale manipulation of the Minimum Support Price (MSP) system through forged farmer registrations and misuse of land records. The case, currently under investigation by the Economic Offences Wing (EOW), has surfaced in Morena, Bhind and Rajgarh districts, where individuals are suspected of posing as farmers to illegally sell wheat at government procurement centres.
According to preliminary findings, the accused allegedly used Khasra and survey numbers belonging to genuine landowners, including Scheduled Caste farmers, to register themselves as cultivators. These registrations allowed them to sell wheat at MSP rates, thereby claiming government payments that were not legitimately due to them. Officials suspect that the fraud resulted in illegal gains running into crores of rupees.
Investigators believe that the racket operated through a coordinated network involving procurement intermediaries and fake registrations. The accused are alleged to have purchased wheat from neighbouring Uttar Pradesh at prices ranging between ₹2,200 and ₹2,400 per quintal. The produce was then reportedly sold at MSP in Madhya Pradesh at around ₹2,600 per quintal, allowing them to pocket the difference as profit while also benefiting from government procurement payments.
Also Read: Couple Found Dead in Car; Ashoknagar Police Examine Murder and Suicide Angles
What has particularly alarmed authorities is the manner in which the alleged fraud bypassed established verification systems. Under standard procedures, farmer registrations are required to be verified against official land records, with mismatches typically leading to rejection at the Patwari and Tehsildar levels. However, in several cases under scrutiny, registrations with apparent discrepancies were reportedly approved at the tehsil level, raising questions about administrative oversight and possible collusion.
The Economic Offences Wing has now begun a detailed investigation into the matter, examining land records, procurement data and registration documents to identify all individuals involved. Officials are also assessing whether systemic lapses or deliberate manipulation enabled the irregular approvals. The probe is expected to expand across multiple districts as investigators trace financial transactions linked to the suspected racket.
The alleged scam has once again highlighted concerns over vulnerabilities in agricultural procurement systems, particularly in states where MSP-based purchases play a crucial role in supporting farmers’ incomes. Authorities have indicated that strict action will be taken against those found guilty, while efforts are underway to tighten verification mechanisms to prevent similar frauds in the future.
Also Read: CM Mohan Yadav Launches Mookerjee Remembrance Fortnight Events In Madhya Pradesh
