Tight vigil on PDS rice smugglers

444 raids conducted, 97 cases registered, says Civil Supplies Commissioner

The Civil Supplies Department has intensified its vigil against those indulging in illegal transportation of rice meant for distribution through public distribution system.

The enforcement and task force personnel, on the instructions of Civil Supplies Commissioner C.V. Anand conducted 444 raids in the past six months and 97 cases were registered under Section 6A and 26 criminal cases had been registered so far.

-> PD Act

Of these, two cases were registered under the provisions of the Preventive Detention Act.According to an official release, cases were registered under PD Act against Chandrasekhar of Deverakonda mandal of Nalgonda district for illegal transportation of ration rice. The accused was known for illegal transportation of rice and had been booked more than once previously. But he was still continuing the fraudulent business.

Mr. Anand asserted that the searches on those indulging in illegal transportation of rice would continue. “Even after taking so many steps to curb illegal transportation of the PDS rice, it is still continuing in some places,” he said.

-> Close watch

Traders were collecting PDS rice from dealers, cardholders and other businessmen and transporting it to other States.

The enforcement and task force personnel were keeping a close watch on these fraudsters tracking their movements and booking cases under appropriate sections.

He asserted that hunt was still on to track these traders and transporters and more fraudsters would be taken into custody in the coming days.

The Civil Supplies Department would soon arrest the kingpin behind the racket, he said adding action was initiated against three rice traders who were booked under the PD Act. “Tight vigil by these teams has saved ₹25 crore to the Government,” he said.