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Data scammers diverted grains in netas' names

Incidentally, scammers with help of leaked biometric data used the relatives ration card to achieve this feat

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The biometric data theft case being investigated in Surat may be much bigger than what it is being made out to be. For, an RTI activist has through documents detailing foodgrains given to beneficiaries under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) has revealed that some of the beneficiaries were relatives of Congress and BJP leaders, income tax officials as well as civic body employees.

Incidentally, scammers with help of leaked biometric data used the relatives ration card to achieve this feat.

Ajay Jangid, the activist, said the documents (sale transaction details of PDS sought under RTI) clearly show that foodgrains were diverted in the name of people who clearly did not need them.

The RTI revealed that several members of Leader of Opposition in the state Assembly Paresh Dhanani's family, relatives of BJP MP Naranbhai Kacchaidya, and Darshana Jardosh were among the beneficiaries.

The RTI revealed that one Vijay Kachhadiya got 4 litre of kerosene under the PDS system on December 23, 2017. He is the nephew of BJP MP from Amreli Naranbhai Kachhadiya, said Jangid. "It shows one Ashai Jardosh (ration card no 122901009718409) have procured 14kg wheat, 6 kg, rice on January 1, 2017 at 11.37 am in the morning. This beneficiary being show is the son of Surat MP Darshnaben Jardosh," said Jangid.

"Another transaction slip shows Jayanti Dhanani having procured 12 kg of wheat and 8 kg of rice December 12, 2017. He is a relative of LOP and Congress leader Paresh Dhanani," said Jangid.

He said it is most likely that the ration card details of these people were used without their knowledge to divert foodgrains meant for the poor.

"What happened is that the shop owners had access to the biometric details of almost all the ration card holders and hence they could easily subvert the system put in place to check for frauds," said Jangid.

Paresh Dhanani when contacted said now computers were gobbling up what was meant for the poor. "It is obvious the BJP while embracing technology did not put enough safety measures in place. Our biometric data is not safe with the government. This scam could not have been perpetrated without the knowledge of the government," said Dhanani.

Kacchaidya when contacted said he read about it in some local newspaper but was not aware of the incident. Jardosh said she was aware of the incident. "It was brought to our notice that foodgrain was being taken in the name of my son. We have filed an FIR in Surat and the cops are investigating the matter. One of those arrested is a neighbour of ours," said Jardosh.

‘DATA NOT SAFE’

When contacted, Paresh Dhanani, Leader of Opposition in Gujarat state assembly, said, “It is obvious the BJP did not put enough safety measures in place. Our biometric data is not safe with the government. This scam could not have been perpetrated without the knowledge of the government.”

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