Jagatsinghpur, July 22 (UDN): Allegations of a large-scale fake ration card scam have surfaced in Kujang block of Jagatsinghpur district, with hundreds of beneficiaries claiming they were cheated after paying money for forged ration cards that failed to provide access to government food supplies.
Residents alleged that they paid between ₹500 and ₹2,000 each to obtain ration cards, only to discover later that the documents were not genuine. The alleged fraud is estimated to involve more than ₹15 lakh, prompting multiple complaints and an official investigation.
Beneficiaries Allege Loss of Money and Food Entitlements
Several affected families said they were unable to receive subsidised rice and other essential commodities under the Public Distribution System (PDS) after authorities found the ration cards to be invalid.
Many beneficiaries claimed they had trusted intermediaries who assured them that genuine ration cards would be issued after collecting money. However, when they attempted to use the cards or verify them online, they found no official records.
The incident has caused hardship for several economically weaker families who depend on subsidised food grains for their daily needs.
Former Data Entry Operator Under Scanner
According to local residents, a former data entry operator associated with the ration card section at the Kujang block office allegedly collected money through Jana Seba Kendras and supplied fake ration cards to applicants.
The accused is reportedly absconding.
Operators of some Jana Seba Kendras alleged that they had received the cards from the individual in good faith before distributing them to beneficiaries. The fraud came to light after online verification and subsequent checks with the concerned officials confirmed that the documents had not been issued through the official system.
Officials Probe Possible Digital Forgery
Officials suspect the fake documents may have been created through digital manipulation rather than generated from the government’s authorised portal.
The Market Inspector of Kujang said authentic ration cards are issued only after beneficiaries complete the prescribed verification process, including OTP-based authentication, and cannot be downloaded without proper authorisation.
He added that an FIR would be lodged and a detailed investigation carried out to identify those responsible for preparing and circulating the forged documents.
Officials also clarified that the person named by residents had already left his position before the current administration took charge.
Investigation Underway
Authorities have begun investigating the alleged fraud to determine the number of fake ration cards circulated, trace the money collected from beneficiaries and identify all individuals involved in the racket.
The administration has assured that appropriate legal action will be taken against those found guilty and urged beneficiaries to verify government documents only through authorised channels.