FIR Filed in Rajasthan's Kota Over Missing Mid-Day Meal Foodgrain Worth Rs 1 Crore

An Education Department enquiry in Kota district, Rajasthan, has reported that 3,213 quintals of wheat and rice allocated for the mid-day meal scheme did not reach government schools. Police have registered an FIR against a Gujarat-based transport firm following a complaint by authorities.

According to reported details from the departmental probe, the missing stock includes 1,844 quintals of wheat and 1,369 quintals of rice. The total shortfall is estimated to be worth approximately Rs 81 lakh at government rates, while open market values are estimated between Rs 1 crore and Rs 1.10 crore. The allocation concerned the second quarter of the National Nutrition Support Programme, covering July to September 2026.

Key Details of the Enquiry

• Stock Collection: The foodgrain was collected from Central Warehouse No. 1 in Kota between July 14 and July 21, 2026.
• Transport Contractor: The transport responsibility was assigned to Bhairavnath Roadways, based in Himmatnagar, Gujarat, at a rate of Rs 32.06 per quintal.
• Shortage Discovery: Schools reported shortages in supplies, prompting the Education Department to verify allocated quantities against actual receipts across blocks.

Action Taken and Police Investigation

Show-cause notices were issued on October 14 to Narayanlal Shankar Lal Khatik, proprietor of Bhairavnath Roadways, and Shailendra Sharma, an authorised person associated with the firm, with a deadline of October 15. Officials stated that no replies were submitted within the stipulated time, leading to a police complaint.

Police in Kota have registered a case under Sections 318(4), 316(2), 316(3) and 61(2)(a) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), covering charges related to cheating and criminal breach of trust. The investigation will examine the movement of the foodgrain after procurement and determine accountability for the alleged misappropriation.

To verify official announcements, observers can refer to updates from local district authorities and police press releases in Kota, Rajasthan.