RAWALPINDI : The Utility Stores Corporation (USC) has taken strict action against corrupt officers who were involved in millions of rupees of embezzlement here in Rawalpindi-II.
The Utility Store Corporation (USC) Managing Director Muhammad Ali Amir has suspended Regional Manager (RM) Rawalpindi-II Abid Mehmood who was the ring leader of this corrupt gang involved in 'atta' embezzlement.
The Managing Director has suspended Regional Manager Rawalpindi-II Abid Mehmood, Atta In-Charge Fazal Kareem, Establishment In-Charge Anjum Hussain, Area Manager (AM) Raja Junaid, Store In-Charge Irfan Billa and some others they were looting the department with both hands.
The Utility Store Corporation (USC) Managing Director Muhammad Ali Amir has ordered to take strict action against the corrupt mafia in this department.
He said that he would never spare any corrupt officer in this department.
These officers were involved in the embezzlement of 'atta' bags worth of Rs4 million.
They were not only involved in 'atta' bag embezzlement but also involved in selling several other items in open market.
On September 4, 2023, in a story published in 'The News' the corruption in Rawalpindi-II region of USC was pointed out.
'The News' also pointed out the names of Regional Manager Abid Mehmood who was the ring leader of corruption.
Well-placed sources told 'The News' Regional Manager (RM) Rawalpindi-II Abid Mehmood was the President of the USC union.
He forcefully took the seat of RM and blackmailed the concerned officers in the cover of the union.
The officers and stores' in-charges were panicked because Regional Manager Abid Mehmood has strong sources in the union, the sources said.
The Utility Stores Corporation (USC) General Manager (Media) AnayatyllahDola told 'The News' that they have taken strict action against corrupt officers and suspended all of them.
"We will never spare corrupt officers in this department," he warned.
Already suffering from inflation and electricity and gas bills, the public is facing multiple problems in utility stores in Rawalpindi-II jurisdiction where the majority of stores remain closed half of the day, some stores have been found allegedly involved in selling subsidised items privately in open market shops while expired items are being sold in the stores as well.
Around 50 government-run stores were set up here in Rawalpindi-II jurisdiction but they have failed to provide relief to the poor public. The government-run stores in Banni, Khayaban, Mareer Hassan, Misriyal, Sadiqabad, HaidriChowk, Allah WalaChowk, Muslim Town, Asghar Mall, Khanna Daak, Chungi No 4, and several others remained closed till 11:30 or 12:00 noon, while the government has fixed time to open stores at 9:00 am. The concerned staff with the full backing of big bosses remained involved in selling subsidised items privately in open markets. The expired items were also being sold in stores openly, consumers of Rawalpindi-II areas alleged. The consumers have complained that government-run stores were the only ray of hope for them where they could purchase some items at lower prices than open market shops. But, stores remained closed for a maximum of time.