BJP leader slams minister over cane dues, alleges false FIR against farmer

Pilibhit: BJP leader Hemraj Verma on Tuesday criticised minister of state for sugarcane and sugar industry Sanjay Singh Gangwar, also MLA from Pilibhit city, over the delay in payment of cane dues to farmers in the district. Addressing the media, Verma said four sugar mills in the district still owed farmers around Rs 200 crore. He also targeted UP govt over alleged exploitation of farmers, claiming irregularities in the wheat procurement system. He alleged that wheat meeting prescribed standards was not being accepted at govt procurement centres.Verma alleged that Amaria police registered a false FIR against a farmer under Essential Commodities Act on April 25, accusing him of illegal purchase and sale of diesel. “With temperatures soaring, farmers need to irrigate their sugarcane crop. Lalit Verma of village Andarayan had stored diesel for this purpose, but police implicated him in a false case,” he said, questioning how farmers would carry out agricultural activities if subjected to such action. He warned of protests if police did not withdraw the FIR.