Bhubaneswar, Feb 3: In a dramatic move to verify allegations of ‘katni-chhatni’ (undue deductions in paddy procurement), Bhadrak District Collector Dilip Routrai disguised himself as a farmer and visited the Katsahi Primary Agricultural Credit Society (PACS) mandi under Dhamnagar block on Saturday.

Dressed in Bermuda shorts, a T-shirt, a face mask, a cap, and a towel on his shoulder, Routrai arrived at the mandi without revealing his identity. He was accompanied by the District Supply Officer and Additional District Supply Officer during the surprise inspection.

Complaints about underpricing and unfair deductions had been pouring in from farmers, prompting the district administration to act. During his visit, Routrai interacted with farmers, inquired about their experiences, and even attempted to sell paddy using another farmer’s token. When he did so, a cooperative official stated that 8 kg of paddy would be deducted as wastage, confirming the allegations.

Following this, the Collector issued a show-cause notice to the officials of Katsahi PACS, warning of strict action. The notice stated that the allegations were proven true and demanded an explanation from the PACS secretary.

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