Key Facts at a Glance
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Total Arrested | 26 individuals, including Anganwadi workers and helpers |
| Officials Suspended | Dr. Huligemma Kukanur (Deputy Director) and Muttanna C.A. (CDPO) |
| Value of Stolen Food | ₹4 lakh (8 tons, 84 kgs) |
| Seized Items | Milk powder, wheat, pulses, jaggery, fortified rice, sambar masala, and more |
| Main Suspects | Baitullah Killedar (Congress leader) and her husband, Farooq (currently hiding) |
| Location of Raid | Warehouse near Gabbur Cross, Old Hubballi |
| Investigating Authorities | Women and Child Welfare Department, Hubballi-Dharwad Police |
The Betrayal of the Vulnerable: Hubli’s Anganwadi Food Scam
Imagine this: food meant for malnourished children, pregnant women, and lactating mothers—stolen, hoarded, and sold in the black market. This isn’t a dystopian fiction; this is the reality of the Hubballi Anganwadi Food Scam.
The State Government has suspended two officials, and 26 individuals, including Anganwadi workers, have been arrested. But the question remains: How could this happen? Who let this happen?
The Shocking Details of the Scam
1. The Heartless Theft
- Nutritional materials worth ₹4 lakh, meant for Anganwadi beneficiaries, were stolen.
- These supplies were intended for malnourished children, pregnant women, and lactating mothers—the most vulnerable sections of society.
2. The Arrests
- 26 individuals, including Anganwadi workers, were arrested for illegal stockpiling and black-market sales.
- Among the arrested are Baitullah Killedar, a local Congress leader, and her husband, Farooq, who are now on the run.
3. The Raid
- A joint operation by Keshwapur and CCB police uncovered the scam during a raid on a warehouse near Gabbur Cross.
- 329 bags of food items, a Bolero vehicle, and mobile phones were seized.
4. The Suspensions
- Dr. Huligemma Kukanur (Deputy Director) and Muttanna C.A. (CDPO) were suspended for dereliction of duty.
- Their failure to oversee the distribution of food supplies allowed this scam to thrive.
The Bigger Picture: A Betrayal of Trust
This isn’t just about stolen food; it’s about betrayal.
- Anganwadi workers, who are supposed to be the backbone of child nutrition programs, were involved in this crime.
- Political influence was allegedly used to shield the culprits, with Baitullah Killedar posing with top leaders like Chief Minister Siddaramaiah before her involvement was exposed.
- The stolen items—milk powder, wheat, pulses, and jaggery—are lifelines for malnourished children. Who steals from children?
The Questions That Demand Answers
- How long has this been going on?
- Reports suggest this was an organized crime network. How many children went hungry because of this?
- Who else is involved?
- With 26 arrests and two officials suspended, is this just the tip of the iceberg?
- What about the children?
- How many Anganwadi centers were affected? How many children were denied their rightful nutrition?
The Aftermath: What’s Next?
- A comprehensive investigation has been ordered to uncover the full extent of the scam.
- Authorities are working to determine how the food was repackaged, where it was sold, and the roles of all involved.
- The two main suspects, Baitullah Killedar and Farooq, are still at large. When will they face justice?
A Call to Action: Enough is Enough
This scam isn’t just a crime; it’s a moral failure. It’s a slap in the face of every taxpayer, every parent, and every child who depends on these programs.
- Demand accountability. Those responsible must face the full force of the law.
- Support transparency. Ensure such programs are monitored rigorously to prevent future scams.
- Speak up. Share this story. Let the world know that stealing from the vulnerable will not be tolerated.
In The End..
When food meant for malnourished children is stolen, it’s not just a scam—it’s a crime against humanity. Let’s pray and ensure this never happens again, not just in Hubli, but nowhere else in the world.
#JusticeForAnganwadi #HubliFoodScam
