GUJRANWALA, March 26: A fake pesticide licence holder, whose academic credentials were misused by pesticide dealers for obtaining licences, was exonerated by police inquiry board while pesticide company proprietor was held for the fake licence scam here on Tuesday.

Information revealed a gang of pesticide dealers allegedly got academic credentials of some jobless youths for arranging jobs for them a few months back. Later, they got pesticide licences in the name of the same candidates and started selling fake pesticide.

During investigations, the Grain Market police arrested a youth Muhammad Ahmad on the charge of possessing fake pesticide licence on the directive of SSP Muhammad Aslam Tarin.

Ahmad claimed during investigation his academic credentials were taken by pesticide company proprietor for arranging his employment and got a fake pesticide licence in his name.

Inquiry officer DSP Raja Muhammad Hafeez scrutinized the documents of pesticide company, found the signature of an accused and declared the company proprietor guilty.

Accused Ahmad was absolved from the charges levelled against him.

Police have registered a case against the pesticide proprietor and are investigating.