Illegally Stored PDS Rice Seized, One Arrested in Hiriyadka
Udupi: In a crackdown on alleged ‘ration mafia’ activities within the district, officials from the food department, in collaboration with Hiriyadka Police, have seized 55.60 quintals of rice intended for distribution to Below Poverty Line (BPL) families under the Public Distribution System (PDS). The operation, conducted at a warehouse in Bommarabettu, resulted in the arrest of one individual.
The accused, identified as Vasudev Prabhu (56), the proprietor of Prabhu General Store, is alleged to have illegally procured rice earmarked for the Annabhagya scheme from members of the public for resale. Acting on verified intelligence, food inspectors and Hiriyadka police executed a raid on the premises, confiscating a total of 55.60 quintals of rice valued at Rs. 1,27,880. The seized rice was found packaged in 131 plastic bags, according to police reports.
Mr. Prabhu has been taken into custody and subsequently presented before the court.
A formal case has been registered at the Hiriyadka police station concerning this incident.