SARGODHA, June 11: Khizarabad livestock farm has become a favourite department for corrupt officials who have been depriving the government of millions of rupees annually.

Information gleaned by this correspondent on Tuesday revealed hundreds of landless tenants in Hayatpur village, Mankewala, Jhangian Sial, Bhikanian and Chak Umra had made complaints against the corrupt officials.

They said the government had, through 1960 land reforms, acquired 7,700 acres from ex-premier of the United Punjab Malik Khizar Hayat Tiwana who got allotted a stud farm for nominal price and earned millions of rupees. This farm was handed over to the livestock department in 1976, they added.

The farmers alleged the corrupt officials in the department had been misappropriating millions of rupees under the head of agricultural equipment, fertilizers and cattle.

They claimed the department was showing deficit of Rs500,000 annually, although, it was profit earning department.

In 1980, they said the then Punjab Governor General, Sarwar Khan, during his visit announced distribution of entire land among the landless tenants. However, they said the corrupt mafia of livestock thwarted the implementation of the orders.

THRASHED: Jhal Chakian police on Tuesday thrashed six students of secondary school who broke the panes of a coaster on Saturday.

It is learnt that social circles have voiced their concern over highhandedness of police who caned the students.