Chikkamagaluru: A serious case involving the alleged illegal burial of government-supplied wheat meant for students of a residential school has come to light at the Kittur Rani Chennamma Residential School in Tarikere taluk.

Following a complaint from members of the public, officials used a JCB machine to dig a pit inside the school premises, where 70 sacks of wheat were found buried at a depth of nearly 10 feet.

The wheat stock, reportedly worth several thousands of rupees, had been supplied by the government for the use of students staying at the residential school.

According to available information, the wheat was allegedly buried around two years ago during the summer, when Harish was serving as the principal of the institution.

The incident has raised several questions.

Officials and members of the public have questioned how such a large quantity of wheat remained unused.

There is also suspicion over whether the students were being provided proper food at the time.

If the wheat had become unfit for consumption, it should have been verified by the food inspector and returned to the government, sources said.

Instead, the stock was allegedly buried secretly within the school campus.

The fact that such a large quantity of food grain was disposed of without informing senior officials has raised concerns over possible misuse of government resources and funds.

Though it is being claimed that the wheat had gone bad, the exact reason behind burying it is expected to emerge only after a detailed investigation.

Further inquiry is under way.