Singh, however, rejects the DGS & D report, insinuating that since the directorate was responsible for the supply, it was not expected to give a fair report. He makes little of the presence of experts from the BIS and his own officials.

“I want an independent inspection,” he says, warning that he may send the entire stock back if the third report is found adverse. The minister is also angry because the inspection team refused to touch the samples he had found faults with, saying they were not part of the bales. Singh adds that he would impose a stiff penalty on the suppliers once he got the final report.

Fortunately, the minister has allowed the jute bags to be shifted to the nearby warehouse of the Civil Supplies Department. With the rake containing the bags still to emptied, movement of goods on the track had been affected.

BIS official A D Chandrarao says he would get in touch with his headquarters once he gets a formal request for a probe from the MP Government.