A trader was arrested in Indervelli Mandal, Adilabad, for diverting Public Distribution System rice. Police seized 150 quintals of rice and handed it over to civil supplies authorities for further action.
Despite intensified enforcement by the Civil Supplies Department, PDS rice smuggling syndicates allegedly continue operating across Hyderabad with political patronage and official support, sources claim. Authorities fear the organised network could expand into other forms of organised crime if left unchecked.
Police in Kumram Bheem Asifabad booked three traders for allegedly diverting PDS rice in Jainoor mandal. A total of 64 quintals of rice was seized during inspections, and investigations have been launched into the illegal activity.