Coimbatore Police Thwart Major Rice Smuggling Operation, Arrest Two
In a significant crackdown on illegal activities targeting the Public Distribution System (PDS), the Civil Supplies CID police in Coimbatore successfully intercepted a smuggling attempt and apprehended two individuals on Saturday. The operation prevented five tonnes of ration rice, intended for distribution under the PDS, from being illegally transported to the neighboring state of Kerala.
Details of the Arrested Individuals
The police have identified the arrested duo as M Gnanasekaran, 45, a resident of Edayarpalayam, and S Mukesh Kumar, 33, a native of Bihar who is employed as a guest worker. According to official statements, Gnanasekaran operates a mixture shop in Edayarpalayam, while Mukesh Kumar works at the same establishment. The investigation revealed that the two had been actively collecting ration rice from various nearby villages, accumulating a substantial stockpile.
Modus Operandi and Police Action
Authorities disclosed that the suspects had stored the illicitly gathered rice in three goods autos, with plans to smuggle it across the state border into Kerala. There, they intended to sell the rice at a significantly higher price, exploiting the market differences and undermining the PDS framework. The breakthrough in the case came from a specific tip-off received by the police, which alerted them to the possession of illegally collected ration rice and the imminent smuggling attempt.
Acting swiftly on this intelligence, a team led by Civil Supplies CID inspector Somasundaram conducted a targeted search operation. The focus was on the Anna Nagar housing unit near Kavundampalayam, where the three goods autos were reportedly parked. Upon inspection, the police confirmed that the vehicles were indeed loaded with five tonnes of ration rice, corroborating the initial information.
Seizure and Legal Proceedings
Following the discovery, the police seized the entire consignment of ration rice, effectively neutralizing the smuggling plot. Both Gnanasekaran and Mukesh Kumar were taken into custody and subsequently produced before the Judicial Magistrate IV. They have been remanded to judicial custody and are currently lodged in prison as the legal process unfolds. This arrest highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to combat the diversion and illegal trade of essential commodities meant for public welfare under the PDS.
The case underscores the vulnerabilities in the distribution system and the need for vigilant monitoring to prevent such incidents. It also serves as a warning to those attempting to profit from the misuse of government-subsidized resources, emphasizing the consequences of engaging in such unlawful activities.
