25 rice millers defaulted on custom milled rice worth Rs. 205 crore in Mancherial

In Mancherial district, 25 rice millers have been identified for defaulting or diverting custom milled rice (CMR) from the Vanakalam and Yasangi seasons of 2022 to 2024, with an estimated value of Rs. 205.47 crore. Cases against nine millers have been registered under relevant laws, with penalties and interest imposed.

Mancherial: Twenty-five rice millers in Mancherial district were found to have either defaulted on or diverted custom milled rice (CMR) from both Vanakalam and Yasangi seasons of 2022, 2023 and 2024, with the value of the grains assessed at Rs. 205 crore.

According to Civil Supplies Corporation officials, cases were registered against nine millers under relevant provisions of the Revenue Recovery Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Samhita (BNS) between January 5 and August 8 for defaulting on stocks. Earlier, cases had been booked against 14 millers for similar offences. Proceedings to register cases against two more millers are under way.

---

While officials did not disclose the quantum of rice yet to be recovered, they confirmed the total value was estimated at Rs. 205.47 crore. A penalty of 25 per cent of the defaulted value has been imposed on errant millers, along with 12 per cent interest. Officials said the property of defaulting millers would be seized if payments were not made.

Sources said many mills had shown negligence in handing over CMR, taking advantage of the absence of strict monitoring and stern action in the past. Several millers are said to have developed a practice of diverting or defaulting on rice stocks to make quick profits by selling in the private market. They have now come under the scanner for the offence.