Rangareddy/Hyderabad, Oct 23 (Maxim News): Officials seized 396 quintals of Public Distribution System (PDS) rice during a raid on a rice mill in Mangalapalli village, Ibrahimpatnam mandal, Rangareddy district. Police registered a case against three people over the alleged illegal purchase and diversion of ration rice.
According to reports, Civil Supplies Enforcement officials and police raided New Bansal Rice Mill on October 23. They seized the rice stored in 101 bags and shifted it to a government godown in Ibrahimpatnam.
Police registered a case against mill owner Geetesh Bhansal, rice supplier Shriram Lohia and Bharathi Industries owner Naga Bhushanam. Officials also seized four vehicles allegedly connected to the case. The investigation is underway.
Ration Rice Allegedly Bought for ₹15 to ₹20 a Kilo
Reports allege that agents are collecting ration rice from beneficiaries in villages for ₹15 to ₹20 per kilogram. The rice is then allegedly transported to mills, processed and sold in the open market at prices of up to ₹100 per kilogram.
The alleged racket has raised concerns about the diversion of subsidised rice meant for eligible families. However, the reported purchase and resale prices relate to allegations in the source report and have not been independently established in every case.
Officials said the New Bansal Rice Mill had previously faced a seizure involving around 250 quintals of ration rice. Investigators are also examining the possible role of Bharathi Industries in Mothe village, Siddipet district.
According to the report, the mill’s management stated that it had purchased rice from Bharathi Industries. Allegations have also emerged that rice may have been supplied to two other mills. Their identities are expected to emerge during the investigation.
120 Cases Registered in Three Months
Around 120 cases related to the alleged illegal transportation of PDS rice were registered in Rangareddy district over the preceding three months, according to the report. Officials reportedly receive multiple cases each month involving rice collected from villages and transported to mills.
The district receives around 15,000 metric tonnes of PDS rice each month for distribution to approximately 6.75 lakh ration-card beneficiaries, the report stated.
The alleged diversion of rice raises questions about monitoring and enforcement. The investigation into the Mangalapalli seizure is expected to establish the source of the rice and identify any other people or businesses involved.
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