Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala: Around 6,000 kg of ration rice allegedly stored illegally at Karali in Parassala, near Kerala’s Tamil Nadu border, was seized during a joint raid by the Food and Civil Supplies Department and the police.

The rice is suspected to be part of a network that procures ration rice from shops in Tamil Nadu and Kerala at low prices, processes it and sells it in the open market at higher prices under branded labels.

The rice was stored in an abandoned rented house near Karali pond, which had allegedly been converted into a makeshift warehouse.

During the inspection led by Taluk Supply Officer Praveen, officials found more than 100 sacks containing around 50 kg of rice each.

Officials suspect that the group shifted its operations to the deserted house after Civil Supplies inspections were intensified in border areas over the past two weeks.

Two Rajapalayam-breed dogs had reportedly been kept on the premises as security.

According to officials, ration rice and wheat obtained free of cost in Tamil Nadu were transported across the border in cars, scooters and trains.

The rice was allegedly polished at mills and repacked in new sacks under brand names such as ‘Surekha’ and ‘Sodex’ before being sold in the open market.

The raid followed a tip-off received by the Parassala police, based on which the Civil Supplies team conducted the inspection.

Police have also taken into custody a car allegedly used for transporting the rice.

Officials said the seized rice would be shifted to the National Food Security Act (NFSA) godown. Based on the district collector’s orders, it would either be auctioned after quality checks or distributed through ration shops.