Crime / Truck Carrying 140 Quintals of PDS Rice Seized in Sundargarh Village

Sundargarh, Sept 12: In a major crackdown on illegal diversion of subsidised food grains, police seized a truck loaded with 140 quintals of Public Distribution System (PDS) rice in Odisha’s Sundargarh district on Saturday.

The vehicle was intercepted within the premises of Jai Gosai Agro Foods Pvt Ltd in Bijabahala village under Kuarmunda block in the district. Officials said the truck belonged to Santosh Yadav, an L‑2 contractor of the Food Corporation of India (FCI).

According to sources, the consignment of 280 rice bags was originally meant for dealer Phuleswari Acharya in Lathikata under Lot No. 307 from Shri Ma Durga Food Product. Instead of reaching its designated destination, the truck diverted to Bijabahala, raising suspicion of smuggling.
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Officials said that the rice was part of the PDS supply chain and was being illegally rerouted. The seizure has triggered concerns over misuse of subsidised food grains meant for economically weaker sections.

Police said further investigation is underway to determine the extent of the diversion and identify those involved in the racket.