Coimbatore Police Uncover Major PDS Rice Diversion Scheme
In a significant crackdown on the illegal diversion of essential commodities, the Civil Supplies Crime Investigation Department (Civil Supplies CID) has arrested two individuals in Coimbatore district for unlawfully hoarding Public Distribution System (PDS) rice. The operation, which took place in Othakalmandapam, led to the seizure of a substantial 19.5 tonnes of rice intended for government distribution.
Intelligence-Led Raid Uncovers Massive Cache
Acting on credible intelligence about the illicit diversion of government-issued rice, a specialized team from the Civil Supplies CID, under the leadership of Inspector K. Muralidharan and Sub-Inspector S. Karthik, executed a search at Royal J Sales Corporation on Palladam Road. The raid, conducted on Tuesday, revealed a large stockpile of rice that was specifically allocated for the Tamil Nadu government's Ramzan festival distribution program.
During the meticulous search, authorities discovered 17,750 kilograms of rice loaded onto a truck and an additional 1,750 kilograms stored on the premises of the flour mill. This discovery prompted the immediate arrest of two key suspects involved in the operation.
Arrests and Modus Operandi Revealed
The police have identified the arrested individuals as H. Nasir Mohammed, a 58-year-old merchant from South Ukkadam, and L. Jayaraj, the proprietor of Royal J Sales Corporation. According to investigative findings, Nasir Mohammed allegedly utilized fraudulent documentation to procure PDS rice from the state government, which was earmarked for distribution during the Ramzan festival. He then diverted this subsidized rice to Jayaraj's flour mill.
Jayaraj is accused of purchasing the rice at subsidized rates with the intent to process it for commercial profit. The rice was reportedly being ground into rice flour to be sold in the open market at significantly higher prices, thereby exploiting the government subsidy meant for underprivileged beneficiaries during the festive season.
Legal Proceedings and Custody
Following their arrest, both Nasir Mohammed and Jayaraj were produced before a judicial magistrate and subsequently remanded to judicial custody on Wednesday. This action underscores the seriousness of the offense and the authorities' commitment to curbing such malpractices that undermine the public distribution system.
The Civil Supplies CID's successful operation highlights ongoing efforts to combat corruption and ensure that essential commodities reach their intended recipients, particularly during critical periods like the Ramzan festival. Further investigations are underway to determine the full extent of this diversion network and identify any additional accomplices.
