Rice meant for the poor diverted to poultry farms, eateries, black market in Telangana. Crackdown on smuggling with 45 FIRs. Brokers purchase at low prices, sell high. Siddi Vinayaka Industries among sources.
HYDERABAD: Rice that is meant for distribution among the poor through fair price shops is being surreptitiously diverted to poultry farms , eateries and tiffin centres in the state. The foodgrain is also allegedly diverted for sale in black market in other states.
Since the election model code came into force on March 16, around 45 FIRs have been registered under the Essential Commodities Act in Telangana.
With officials launching a crackdown, large-scale smuggling of PDS rice has been uncovered, sources said.
PDS rice is purchased from the public at Rs 8 to Rs 10 per kg and sold to brokers working for poultry farms and tiffin centres at Rs 15 to Rs 26 per kg, a source revealed. Cases were reported mostly from Karimnagar, Medchal Malkajgiri, Rangareddy and Yadadri Bhuvanagiri districts.
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