A significant discrepancy has emerged in the government wheat stock in Uttar Pradesh's Balrampur district. During an investigation, approximately 228.764 metric tons of wheat, valued at around 60 lakh rupees, were found missing from the warehouses of two government procurement centers compared to official records.

The report states that on September 11, an official team conducted a surprise inspection at both procurement centers. During this inspection, the quantity of wheat recorded in documents was cross-referenced with the actual stock available in the warehouses, revealing a substantial shortage.

At the first procurement center, the investigation showed that approximately 420.87 metric tons of wheat were purchased in the year 2026-27. Of this, 353.759 metric tons had been sent to the Food Corporation of India (FCI), meaning 67.111 metric tons should have remained in the warehouse. However, during the inspection, the team was denied access to the warehouse key, and police reported that the warehouse appeared empty when viewed through a window.

Similarly, an examination of documents at the second procurement center also revealed major irregularities in the stock. Records indicated that a total of 322.600 metric tons of wheat were purchased, with 160.947 metric tons sent to the FCI. The remaining 161.653 metric tons should have been in the warehouse, but the investigation team found no physical stock there either.

Combined, the total missing wheat from both centers amounts to 228.764 metric tons. Based on the Minimum Support Price (MSP) of ₹2,605 per quintal, the total value of the missing wheat is estimated to be around ₹60 lakh. Following the discovery, an FIR has been registered at Tulsipur police station based on a complaint filed by Ashwani Shukla, the District Manager of PCF.