Andhra Pradesh: Police intercept smuggling of 16 tonnes of PDS rice to K’taka

HindupurRural Police seized 16 tonnes of Public Distribution System (PDS) rice that was allegedly being transported illegally to Tumakuru in Karnataka and registered a case against two persons in connection with the smuggling operation.

Addressing the media, Hindupur Rural Circle Inspector C Anjaneyulu said the police conducted a special raid based on credible information regarding the illegal transportation of government-supplied PDS rice. The operation was carried out under the directions of District Superintendent of Police S Satish Kumar, and under the supervision of DSP KV Mahesh.

Police officials intercepted an Eicher vehicle bearing registration number AP-39-TN-3414 near Manesamudram village in Hindupur mandal at around 10 a.m. on Saturday. The vehicle was inspected in the presence of Civil Supplies Deputy Tahsildar Harathi and Village Revenue Officers (VROs), during which a large quantity of PDS rice was found and seized.

According to officials, the seized stock included 294 bags weighing 50 kilograms each and 52 bags weighing 25 kilograms each, amounting to a total of 16,000 kilograms, or 16 tonnes, of rice.

Police registered a case against Mahesh (26), son of Kotta Ankanna of Somandepalli village, and Kuruba Ramakrishnappa. Mahesh, who was driving the vehicle, was arrested, while Ramakrishnappa is currently absconding. The police said efforts were underway to apprehend the absconding accused and to identify the network involved in the illegal transportation racket.

Officials stated that strict action would be taken against all those connected to the operation. Senior police officials appreciated Inspector C Anjaneyulu and the police personnel involved in the successful seizure and announced rewards for their efforts. The raid team included Sub-Inspector A Lakshminarayana, Head Constable E Srinivasulu, and Constables B Ravi, Giri Prasad, and Bharat Kumar of Hindupur Rural Police Station.