A series of inspections by the state food and supplies department has revealed that subsidised foodgrain to be distributed through ration shops are being “siphoned off” at distributor points but no penal or legal action has been initiated against errant distributors.

“The department has identified three areas — Kakdwip and Magrahat in South 24 Parganas and Rampurhat in Birbhum — where thousands of quintals of foodgrain could not be traced at distributor points between July and December. The missing foodgrain, supposed to be distributed through the ration shops, was worth at least Rs 10-15 crore. Surprisingly, no FIR was lodged against the errant distributors. Only showcause notices were served," said a senior bureaucrat.

Senior officials explained that if foodgrain is stolen from distributor points, people are bound to get less than their allotted grain.

“Similar complaints had come up during the tenure of (arrested former food and supplies minister) Jyoti Priya Mallick and it appears that the tradition continues,” said a senior bureaucrat.

According to sources in the department, a surprise inspection at the distributor point in Kakdwip on December 2 revealed a shortfall of 15039.926 quintals of rice.

“Rice worth Rs 5.71 crore was missing at the distributor point.... Ration card holders did not get their due.... Only a showcause-cum-suspension notice was served but no legal action taken against the distributor,” said a source.

Similar irregularities were also found in Magrahat and Rampurhat.

Sources said that during an inspection in July, a shortfall of 6488.786 quintals of rice and wheat was found at Magrahat point. No action was taken against the distributor.

“The department allotted grain on August 6 to bridge the shortfall.... It indicates the department was more eager to cover up the theft than take strong action against the distributor,” said a source.

In Rampurhat, a shortfall of 2150.8425 quintals of rice and 46.645 quintals of wheat flour was found in September.

“The department only requested the cooperative society, acting as the distributor, to compensate for the shortfall…," said another source.

No one in the food and supplies department agreed to come on record to comment on the issue.