Moradabad. The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) has arrested a key accused in the investigation into Uttar Pradesh’s much-discussed ration scam. Computer operator Avinash Kumar, who had been wanted for a long time, is accused of exploiting the ration distribution system and allegedly diverting food grains meant for poor beneficiaries. According to the investigation, he tampered with Aadhaar numbers of genuine beneficiaries recorded in the computer system, replaced them with his own Aadhaar number and allegedly used his biometric verification 56 times to withdraw ration through an e-POS machine.
The arrested accused, Avinash Kumar, son of Charan Singh Saini, is a resident of Gulab Bari Nai Basti in the Katghar area of Moradabad. He was working as a temporary employee at the office of the District Supply Officer in Moradabad. After his alleged role surfaced during the investigation, he remained wanted for a considerable period. The EOW team had been conducting searches to trace him and eventually arrested him before producing him before a court.
Case Registered in 2018
The case dates back to 2018, when complaints of large-scale irregularities and alleged misappropriation of government food grains surfaced in the ration distribution system. A case was registered at Nagfani police station in Moradabad under Crime No. 405/2018 for cheating, preparation of forged documents, criminal conspiracy, Sections 3/7 of the Essential Commodities Act and Section 66 of the Information Technology Act.
As the investigation progressed, authorities found that alleged irregularities in the ration distribution system were not limited to Moradabad. Similar complaints and cases were reported from several districts across Uttar Pradesh. Considering the seriousness and wider implications of the matter, the investigation was transferred to the Economic Offences Wing.
The EOW subsequently began examining alleged manipulation of the digital ration distribution system, alterations in beneficiary records and the alleged diversion of government food grains.
Alleged Manipulation of the Computer System
According to the EOW investigation, Avinash Kumar allegedly misused the computer-based system used for ration distribution. Under the system, eligible beneficiaries are identified through their Aadhaar numbers and biometric authentication, following which the ration transaction is recorded through an e-POS machine.
Investigators allege that Avinash manipulated this process by removing or altering Aadhaar numbers of genuine beneficiaries already recorded in the system. He allegedly entered his own Aadhaar number in their place. He then allegedly used his own biometric authentication on the e-POS machine to withdraw ration in the names of the concerned beneficiaries.
According to the investigating agency, this method could allow the genuine beneficiary’s details to remain reflected in the records while the biometric identity used at the time of ration withdrawal belonged to the accused. The investigation has so far found that this method was allegedly used 56 times.
Own Identity Used 56 Times
The repeated use of the accused’s own Aadhaar and biometric identity has emerged as a significant aspect of the investigation. Police say the alleged manipulation was not limited to an isolated incident but involved 56 separate instances of ration withdrawal.
The EOW is now trying to determine the total quantity of ration allegedly withdrawn through these transactions and assess the financial or material loss caused to the government. Investigators are also examining which genuine beneficiaries’ records were allegedly altered and how the ration allocated to them was subsequently withdrawn.
The repeated biometric authentication has also raised questions about how such unusual transactions were able to take place within the system and whether the monitoring mechanisms detected the changes at the time.
Did He Act Alone or Was a Network Involved?
Following Avinash’s arrest, the scope of the investigation has widened. The EOW is examining how he gained access to beneficiary Aadhaar records and what level of access or technical facility enabled him to make changes in the computer system.
Investigators are also trying to determine whether Avinash allegedly carried out the manipulation alone or whether other employees or people associated with the ration distribution system were involved.
Digital records and transaction data stored in the e-POS machines are expected to play an important role in the investigation. Analysis of these records could help establish when the alleged manipulation took place, which beneficiary accounts were affected and how the ration was withdrawn.
Search for Other Accused Continues
After the arrest of Avinash Kumar, the EOW is continuing its investigation into the alleged involvement of other people in the case. Teams are conducting searches at possible locations and examining available documents and digital records.
The computer operator’s arrest has brought an important alleged instance of technological manipulation in the ration distribution system to the fore in a case that has been under investigation since 2018. The next phase of the probe will focus on determining the quantity of ration allegedly withdrawn in the 56 transactions, the extent of the resulting loss, the possible involvement of other people and the level at which beneficiary records were altered.
The complete picture of the alleged network and the responsibility of each person involved will become clearer as the investigation progresses and the available digital and documentary evidence is verified.
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About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
