Sources said the milk was set to be sold at a reduced cost to agents, who would then sell it for a higher amount in the open market. The money thus gained is shared among the agent, the transporter and officials in the Vellore dairy, thereby depriving the State-owned cooperative society of its due income.

The Aavin (Vellore) sends nearly 70,000 litres of milk every day through 16 routes covering the entire district. It contracts private vans to transport milk and other products from its dairy to agents.

Enquiries by DT Next revealed that it was common for vans to carry excess loads in connivance with Aavin insiders, who are responsible for supervising the outgoing supplies. “Thus, money which should accrue to the cooperative dairy would not, thereby making a dent in our revenues,” said an official, on condition of anonymity.

 

After getting wind of this scam, a team of Aavin personnel decided to search the van, which was plying on the Anaicut route, on Saturday.

 

Pointing out the significance of the seizure, another official said, “Such a malpractice must be viewed seriously, as agents may seek to gain profit by procuring unaccounted milk.”

 

When contacted, Aavin (Vellore) General Manager Murali Prasad said, “We are now conducting an enquiry which will go into all aspects of the case. We will ensure that milk reaches agents on the Anaicut route through our own vehicle.”