Cotton Weighing Scam: 14 Arrested in Yavatmal District A significant scam involving manipulated cotton weighing scales has led to the arrest of 14 individuals in Yavatmal district, specifically in the Arni taluka area. The alleged fraud centers on traders using remote-controlled electronic devices to alter the recorded weight of cotton, thereby defrauding farmers. Following complaints from affected parties, authorities registered a case and detained all 14 accused, who were apprehended from Barshi Takli in Akola. The incident came to light after farmers, who have turned to private traders following the suspension of procurement by the Cotton Corporation of India (CCI), began noticing discrepancies in weighing processes. Private traders have been attracting farmers with higher prices, up to 200 rupees per quintal above local traders, creating an environment ripe for exploitation. The fraud was uncovered when a farmer named Ramesh Rathod from Amboda village brought his cotton for sale. During the weighing process, Rathod became suspicious of the scale readings. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the weight was being manipulated using a remote device. Rathod immediately alerted other farmers present at the site, prompting them to report the issue to the police. Law enforcement authorities swiftly responded, arriving at the scene to seize vehicles, electronic weighing machines, and the remote devices used in the fraud. A formal case was registered, and all 14 accused were taken into custody. The incident highlights the vulnerabilities in the cotton procurement system and the need for stricter oversight to prevent such malpractices.#yavatmal_district #akola #cotton_corporation_of_india #ramesh_rathod #barshi_takli
