One Tonne of Public Distribution System Rice Seized in Tamil Nadu's Ranipet
The Tamil Nadu Department of Civil Supplies seized approximately one tonne of rice meant for the Public Distribution System (PDS) from a van in Pudur village, Ranipet, on Friday. The operation was led by the Arakkonam Taluk Supply Officer.
According to officials, the seizure followed a directive from District Collector N. Priya to form special teams comprising police and civil supplies personnel to curb the smuggling of PDS rice. During a surprise inspection in Panapakkam, Nemili, and surrounding villages, the team intercepted a van containing several sacks of PDS rice. The driver and an accomplice fled the scene.
The confiscated rice has been stored at a Civil Supplies Department godown in Ranipet. Police analysis of CCTV footage revealed individuals loading rice sacks onto the vehicle. The rice was reportedly collected from towns such as Arcot, Arakkonam, Sholinghur, and Walajah, and was intended to be sold to wholesale dealers in Andhra Pradesh.
A case has been registered at the Nemili police station. Special teams have been formed to apprehend the suspects, and an investigation is ongoing.
PDS rice is subsidised grain provided to eligible families under the National Food Security Act. Smuggling of such supplies diverts resources meant for vulnerable populations, undermining food security. The department has intensified checks across the district to prevent similar incidents.
