Fine rice distribution through fair price shops clips PDS rice mafia wings

With the beneficiaries not selling the fine rice on black market, the PDS rice mafia is in a dilemma over their future

Hyderabad: With the State government providing fine rice to families who are below the poverty line and the beneficiaries at this point not selling it on black market, the public distribution commodities mafia is in a dilemma over their future.

Since the last couple of years, as the coarse rice was supplied at a fair price shops, the beneficiaries sold it to the PDS (public distribution system) rice mafia for Rs 10 to Rs 12 a kilogram. The rice was then transported to godowns and from there smuggled to other States where it was sold at a higher price. Several gangs headed or supported by rowdy sheeters are actively involved in the illegal and remunerative business.

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“Hundreds of people are connected with the PDS rice smuggling business. Now with the beneficiaries using the rice and not selling it to local PDS mafia agents, they are now in a dilemma about their future,” said Moin (name changed), an insider in the business.

The PDS mafia is active in the city areas such as Falaknuma, Kalapather, Bhavaninagar, Bahadurpura and its extension areas such as Rajendranagar, Mailardevpally, Attapur, Balapur, Pahadishareef, and Meerpet. Gangs that operate in an organised manner manage the local patrolling cops, sub-inspectors and special teams formed to check the smuggling, it is said.

“The old stocks have exhausted, and those in the illegal business are frustrated over dwindling income. The local agents who collect PDS rice from beneficiaries and transport it to godowns are without work. In such circumstances, the agents who are mainly teenagers might end up in other illegal businesses,” fears Mohd Nabi, a social worker from Mailardevpally.

Afsar Jahan, advocate of the High Court, pointed out that in Dhoolpet, when the illicitly distilled liquor manufacturing dens were closed down, those in that business moved into the narcotics business. “The police and administration should be watchful and ensure that the PDS mafia kingpins do not push the agents into other illegal businesses that can harm society. Due to the financial crisis, the teenagers who shoulder the responsibility of running their houses can take up any illegal tasks at the behest of their masters, who had protected them from police all these years,” said Afsar Jahan.