Telangana: Nirmal Cops Bust Racket Recycling PDS Rice As ‘Fine Quality’

By Pillalamarri Srinivas

A large-scale racket involving the recycling of subsidised PDS rice has come to light in Nirmal district, with police suspecting its illegal transport to Maharashtra for polishing before being sold as premium-grade rice.

The operation was uncovered on February 7 in Bhainsa, when a container lorry from Maharashtra hit a car and was subsequently intercepted by local police. Upon inspection, officers found 362 quintals of rice concealed inside. Suspicions arose after the driver provided inconsistent statements.

Preliminary investigations reveal that certain traders purchase PDS rice — supplied at Rs 1 per kg and distributed at 6 kg per family member — from fair price shops or individual ration card holders for Rs 10–12 per kg. The rice is then transported to mills in Maharashtra, where it is polished, branded as high-quality, and reintroduced into the Nirmal market at a premium price.

Nirmal superintendent of police Janaki Sharmila has formed a special team led by Bhainsa ASP Avinash Kumar to probe the supply chain and establish whether the racket extends to other parts of Telangana. Police are also investigating the methods of transporting PDS rice across rivers such as the Penganga, Godavari, and Pranahita despite efforts to curb the practice.

Sharmila urged the public to report any suspicious activities, adding that those involved would face strict legal consequences. The investigation is ongoing.

This article has been republished from The Deccan Chronicle.