Major PDS Rice Racket Busted in Erode District
In a significant crackdown on the illegal diversion of public distribution system (PDS) commodities, the district civil supplies crime investigation department (Civil Supplies-CID) police in Erode have made a major breakthrough. On Thursday, authorities arrested three men for their involvement in the unlawful storage of PDS rice, seizing a massive 12,000 kilograms of the essential grain from a godown and a pickup truck.
Intensive Investigation Leads to Arrests
The operation was launched after the Civil Supplies-CID received multiple complaints alleging that ration rice, intended for distribution to beneficiaries under the PDS scheme, was being illicitly stored for sale in rice mills located in Sivagiri and its surrounding areas. Acting swiftly on these tips, police personnel engaged in intensive patrolling throughout the Sivagiri region on Wednesday night to gather evidence and identify the culprits.
During their surveillance, officers discovered large quantities of rice stored in bundles within a godown owned by K Ramalingam, aged 52, situated at Rangasamudram near Sivagiri. Additionally, they found sacks of PDS rice loaded onto a pickup truck parked near the rice mill, further confirming the illegal activities.
Arrests and Confessions Unfold
In the early hours of Thursday, police arrested Ramalingam at the scene. Based on the information provided by him during interrogation, authorities subsequently apprehended two more individuals: Kandavel, a 47-year-old mill manager, and Thompson, a 35-year-old mill worker. A senior police officer stated, "The trio had systematically stored the ration rice with the intent to sell it illegally in the market, thereby depriving genuine beneficiaries of their entitled supplies."
The seizure of 12,000 kg of PDS rice highlights the scale of this racket, which could have significant implications for food security in the region. Police are now investigating potential links to broader networks involved in the diversion of subsidized food grains.
Broader Implications and Ongoing Efforts
This bust underscores the ongoing challenges in safeguarding PDS resources from misuse and black-marketing. The Civil Supplies-CID has reiterated its commitment to intensifying vigilance and taking strict action against those exploiting the system. Authorities are urging the public to report any suspicious activities related to PDS commodities to help curb such malpractices.
The arrested individuals have been charged under relevant sections of the law, and further investigations are underway to uncover any additional accomplices or storage locations. This case serves as a stern warning to those involved in similar illegal trade of essential goods.
