Sanjay Pandey, the PACS President of Jagariya Panchayat in Chainpur block, Kaimur district, has vehemently denied allegations of embezzling ₹16 crore. He met with cooperative department officials along with farmers to present his side of the story. Pandey accused former PACS President Chandrashekhar Singh of filing complaints to defame and harass him.

Pandey stated that the people of Jagariya Panchayat have elected him as PACS President three times, and he has consistently worked in the interest of farmers. He clarified that paddy procurement is done based on farmer registration as per government guidelines, and payments to farmers are made directly to their bank accounts through DBT. He also mentioned that individuals engaged in small businesses like street vending and tea stalls also farm, and if registered, their paddy is purchased according to regulations.

Farmers Arun Kumar Singh and Asid Kumar Singh from Karwandiha, among others, supported the current PACS President. They affirmed that paddy is procured on time through Sanjay Pandey, and payments are also disbursed promptly. They alleged that the former PACS President is unnecessarily harassing the current president by filing complaints and submitting documents to various departments.

Shashikant Shashi, an official from the cooperative department, confirmed that the matter has come to his attention. He and the SDO have sent a report to the District Magistrate for investigation. He added that the true facts of the case would become clear only after the investigation report is received.