17.78 lakh kg of PDS grains seized in three months, 215 arrested amidst drought in Karnataka

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Bags of foodgrain in a PDS shop. The seized commodities were meant for public distribution.  | Photo Credit: Photo for representation only

As part of a crackdown on the illegal diversion of ration supplies across Karnataka, officials from the Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Affairs Department seized 17.78 lakh kg of rice and other foodgrains meant for public distribution over the past three months. 

Since August 1, officials inspected vehicles transporting ration commodities and raided private warehouses in various districts on the directions of Food and Civil Supplies Minister Rizwan Arshad.

Belagavi district accounted for more than five lakh kg of the seized foodgrains, followed by Kolar with 3.5 lakh kg. More than one lakh kg of rice and other foodgrains each were seized in Bagalkot and Vijayapura districts.

The department has registered 238 FIRs at police stations across Karnataka, and arrested 215 persons in connection with the seizures. It has also confiscated 156 vehicles allegedly used to transport ration commodities illegally.

The enforcement drive has extended to the illegal storage of fuel and cooking gas. Officials have seized 14,250 litres of petrol and 1,492 LPG cylinders over the past three months. The total value of the seized foodgrains, fuel and cylinders is estimated at ₹10 crore.

“With the State facing drought, it is an unforgivable offence for others to use rice meant for poor people, who are struggling for survival, for trade and profit. Our government will not allow this,” the Minister said.

The Minister warned of action against those attempting to hoard rice illegally or sell it in the black market to profit from the recent rise in prices.

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