Inquiry detects 1,500 metric tons of wheat missing from KP warehouse

PESHAWAR: An inquiry committee has revealed the disappearance of 1,500 metric tons of wheat worth Rs100 million from the largest food warehouse of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa food department in Azakhel, Nowshera. 

According to sources, the case surfaced months ago when a significant quantity of wheat went missing from the Azakhel warehouse.

Following the discovery, the food secretary initially suspended the warehouse in charge and other officials.

A four-member inquiry committee led by the additional director of food, was formed to probe the matter. 

The inquiry committee completed its inspection of the warehouse’s wheat stock and submitted its findings to the food secretary for further action.

The report confirmed the disappearance of 30 sacks of wheat, amounting to 1,500 metric tons with an estimated value of Rs100 million. 

Sources in the KP food department said that the food secretary has prepared a charge sheet against the officials responsible for the missing wheat.

A formal inquiry has been initiated, and a letter has been sent to the KP chief secretary to expedite the probe. 

On the other hand, the suspended officials have denied any involvement in the case, claiming they were suspended for allegedly storing excess wheat in the warehouse.

They have called for an open inquiry by the KP chief secretary to unearth the truth. 

KP food department officials said that, following the discovery of the missing wheat, inspections were conducted at food warehouses across the province. Apart from the Azakhel warehouse, all other warehouses were found to have accurate stock levels.