Huge quantity of PDS rice seized in crackdown
Karnataka authorities seized over 564 tonnes of diverted PDS rice in a major crackdown against black market syndicates. The operation uncovered an international smuggling ring that was repackaging subsidized rice for export to Africa.
Why it matters
It addresses the systemic theft of essential food supplies intended for the poor and highlights the scale of illegal commodity smuggling.
A three-day crackdown against black market syndicates diverting rice from public distribution system across Karnataka has resulted in the seizure of 564.99 tonnes of rice whose value is estimated to be ₹1.34 crore.
The multi-agency drive was taken up by the Food and Civil Supplies Department in coordination with the Commercial Taxes, the Agricultural Marketing, the Police, and the Excise departments. As many as six criminal cases have been registered under the Essential Commodities Act, 1981, against nine persons. Twenty transport vehicles worth ₹3.41 crore have also been seized in the operation.
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