Akola: In a significant move to ensure a comprehensive investigation into the alleged fake soyabean seed scam, the Akola police have constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe all cases registered across the district. The SIT will also investigate allegations that affected farmers were coerced or misled into signing “settlement letters” stating that they no longer had any complaints against the companies.The decision comes amid growing outrage over the alleged supply of substandard or fake soyabean seeds that resulted in poor germination and financial losses to farmers across the district.Akola SP Archit Chandak said the SIT has been formed to ensure a time-bound investigation into all registered offences. As many as 13 criminal cases have so far been registered in Akola district against seed companies under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Seeds Act and the Essential Commodities Act.The SIT will be headed by additional SP Chandrakant Reddy. The team includes sub-divisional police officers from Akot and Akola City, probationary deputy SP Anand Kande, officials from the Economic Offences Wing, the District Agriculture Officer, and investigating officers handling the respective cases.The SIT has been instructed to uncover the complete chain of responsibility and submit the investigation within the prescribed time frame. Meanwhile, BJP MLA Harish Pimpale warned that the companies allegedly involved in the fake seed scam must be blacklisted and said he would continue to press for strict action until justice is delivered to the affected farmers.
