Kollam: A major racket involving the smuggling of free rations from Tamil Nadu to Kerala has been uncovered by the authorities. Complaints along with specific information received by the Commissioner of Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs of the state led to the formation of a special inspection team. The investigation revealed a shocking network of rice mill owners, agents and rice barons involved in the scam, which has been affecting the public distribution system.
According to sources, tonnes of rice, which was meant to be distributed free to eligible people in Tamil Nadu, is being transported illegally to Kerala. The rice is then repackaged under different brand names and sold at higher prices.
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Smuggling network exposed, arrests made
On the basis of a similar complaint, Tamil Nadu authorities intercepted a large shipment of rice at the Amaravila check post on the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border. Authorities seized 22.5 tonnes of rice and captured 24 people. Among those arrested are agents and individuals linked to rice mills in both states. Five vehicles were also confiscated. However, five people, including a mill owner, are reportedly still on the run in Kerala.
The investigation has revealed that the rice is being smuggled from Tamil Nadu warehouses to mills in areas like Kattakkada and Perumbavoor in Kerala. On reaching there, the rice is polished and repacked under different brands to be sold illegally. The mafia network operates with hundreds of agents in villages along the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border. These agents collect the free rice from Tamil Nadu households by paying them Rs 8 to Rs 12 per kilogram.
Rice smuggling and distribution via checkposts and trains
The rice is transported in the early morning or after midnight through checkposts and then taken to storage centres. From there, it is packed into 50 kg sacks and sent to mills for reprocessing. The rice is also smuggled through the Aryankavu railway station, where elderly people from Puliyara, Sengottai, and Tenkashi carry 25-30 kg of rice by train to sell at nearby warehouses.
The rice is sold for a much higher price at storage centres, fetching Rs 22 to 25 per kg, as opposed to the Rs 10 per kilogram paid by the agents. Public Distribution Department authorities have confirmed that large quantities of Tamil Nadu rice are entering Kerala through borders in Palakkad and Idukki districts as well.
The special investigation team is continuing to monitor the situation and track the smugglers.
Published: 08 Nov 2024, 10:20 am IST
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