Are Sugar Mill Officials in Trouble Over Unpaid Dues to Cane Farmers?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Uttar Pradesh Police has initiated legal action against sugar mill officials.
- Outstanding dues to farmers amount to nearly Rs 30 crore.
- Officials face accusations of economic exploitation and fraud.
- Both mills failed to pay farmers within the required 14-day period.
- Legal consequences are looming if payments are not cleared soon.
Lucknow, Sept 3 (NationPress) In a decisive move against sugarcane mill operators engaging in questionable practices, the Uttar Pradesh Police have initiated legal action against five officials from Yadu Sugar Mill for their alleged negligence in settling outstanding payments to sugarcane farmers, which total nearly Rs 30 crore. The FIR targets Kunal Yadav, the director of the Badaun-based sugar mill and son of former MP DP Yadav, alongside several high-ranking officials of the firm.
As reported by the Deputy Commissioner of the Sugarcane Committee, Rajesh Mishra, the managing director Suraj Yadav, nominee Suresh Chandra Johri, unit head DP Singh, and senior general manager Brajesh Sharma have been charged with failing to reimburse farmers for their sugarcane deliveries.
Those implicated face accusations of exploiting farmers economically, disregarding District Magistrate orders, and committing fraud. Authorities stated that interrogations are ongoing, and appropriate measures will be taken based on the results.
The FIR was filed due to their alleged refusal to settle outstanding payments and neglect of repeated reminders from relevant authorities, including the District Magistrate, Commissioner, and sugarcane committee secretaries.
Rajesh Mishra informed reporters that both branches of Yadu Sugar Mill – located in Nevli (Kasganj) and Bisouli (Badaun) – failed to adequately compensate farmers post-purchase of their sugarcane within the mandated timeframe.
He noted that while both mills processed sugarcane, they did not remit payments to farmers within the specified 14-day period. The Bisouli mill processed sugarcane valued at Rs 95.18 crore, while the Nevli mill handled Rs 55 crore, yet only paid 67% to farmers, leaving a significant balance unpaid despite numerous notices.
According to Bisouli SHO Harendra Singh, arrests will commence if the mill proprietors do not rectify the outstanding payments promptly.