In a significant crackdown on agricultural fraud, the Special Operations Team (SOT) of LB Nagar Zone, in coordination with Hayathnagar police, successfully dismantled an interstate fake cotton seeds racket. Four individuals were arrested for allegedly transporting banned BT-3 cotton seeds into Telangana for illegal sale to unsuspecting farmers.
Seizure and Arrests
During the operation, law enforcement officials seized approximately 600 kilograms of spurious cotton seeds, along with two vehicles and four mobile phones. The arrested persons have been identified as C Raja Ram (42), G Swamy Dasu (48), A Malleshwariah (28), and K Chinna Obulesu (45), all residents of Nandyal district in Andhra Pradesh.
Modus Operandi
According to police reports, the accused were apprehended near Peddamberpet while allegedly transporting the fake seeds. The seeds were falsely marketed as high-yield BT-3 cotton seeds to deceive farmers and generate illegal profits. During the raid, authorities intercepted two cars carrying 10 gunny bags filled with loose cotton seeds. The accused failed to produce valid licenses, invoices, or transport permits for the seeds.
Further investigation revealed that one of the accused, G Swamy Dasu, had a prior involvement in a similar fake seeds case. Police are now intensifying efforts to trace the absconding accused, R Mohan Reddy (40), who is suspected to be part of a larger network involved in this illicit trade.
Impact on Farmers
Police have issued a warning that the use of spurious seeds can lead to poor germination, crop failure, and substantial financial losses for farmers. The Malkajgiri Police have stated that they are actively cracking down on the fake seeds trade, which has been causing severe economic harm to innocent farmers across the region. Authorities continue to investigate the case and are committed to preventing such fraudulent activities in the future.
