This was revealed during stocktaking by a team led by a magistrate following an allegation.

The team in its report submitted to the authorities on August 28 said 43.611 metric tons of rice worth Tk 6 lakh are "missing" from CSD godown No 10. The stocktaking was started on August 10.

Godown-in-charge Shahidul Huq is absent from his work place since start of the inquiry.

Kaiyum Mia, Manager, Barisal CSD, lodged a case on Sunday accusing Shahidul huq, the sources said.

When contacted, food department officials here acknowledged the fact and said action will be taken as per law against the defaulters. department