The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Friday conducted searches at multiple locations, including the premises of Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot’s brother Agrasain Gehlot, in connection with an alleged fertiliser exports scam that caused a loss of ₹52.80 crore to the exchequer.
“The searches have been carried out in Rajasthan, Gujarat and West Bengal, against 15 accused persons. They include private companies and its directors or proprietors,” said a CBI official. Unknown officials of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs, and Indian Potash Limited (IPL) are also under the scanner.
The CBI had earlier instituted a preliminary enquiry during which it found that Muriate of Potash (MOP), a restricted item, could be exported only with the prior permission of the Central government. The imported MOP is supplied by the IPL to farmers through its authorised dealers at subsidised rates, and the subsidy is claimed from the government.
