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Karnataka Seizes 5.65 Lakh Kilograms of PDS Rice

Karnataka Seizes 5.65 Lakh Kilograms of PDS Rice
Govt seizes 5.65 lakh kg of PDS rice worth Rs 1.34 cr in state-wide crackdown · thehansindia.com

Karnataka officials carried out a three-day operation against the alleged diversion of rice meant for the Public Distribution System.

They seized 5.65 lakh kilograms of rice and 24 vehicles.

The biggest seizure happened in Belagavi district, where officials also sealed a processing facility.

In another operation, officials intercepted rice that they said was being prepared for shipment to Africa.

A preliminary audit reportedly found that the businesses traded much more rice than their documented purchases.

Six criminal cases were registered against nine people.

Two officials were suspended while a departmental inquiry is pending.

The state minister praised the enforcement teams and warned that people involved could face legal action.

Key facts

Rice seized
5.65 lakh kg, valued at Rs 1.34 crore
Vehicles impounded
24, valued at Rs 3.41 crore
Combined estimated value
Rs 4.76 crore for the seized rice and vehicles
Legal cases
Six cases registered under the Essential Commodities Act, 1981, against nine people
Largest seizure
4,22,800 kg of rice and 19 trucks seized in Belagavi district; the facility was sealed
Africa shipment investigation
A truck carried 35,000 kg of FCI rice at Attibele; the department alleges it was being prepared for shipment to Africa
Officials suspended
Food Inspector Praveen Sagar and Shirastedar L B Dange, pending a departmental inquiry

Sources

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