A major crackdown by Hyderabad police and vigilance teams led to the seizure of 22 tonnes of fortified rice and 2 tonnes of wheat in Gachibowli. Five individuals have been apprehended for illegal hoarding and black marketing.

Key Takeaways

  • Joint raid conducted by Gachibowli Police, Civil Supplies, and State Vigilance Team.
  • Seizure of 22 tonnes of PDS fortified rice and 2 tonnes of wheat.
  • Five suspects arrested, including a businessman and multiple drivers.
  • Modus operandi: Buying cheap from beneficiaries to sell at high market rates.

HYDERABAD: In a significant blow to the illegal black marketing of essential commodities, a joint task force comprising the Gachibowli Police, the Civil Supplies Department, and the State Vigilance Team conducted a massive raid in Gowlidoddi village, Rangareddy district. The operation resulted in the recovery of a staggering 24 tonnes of grain intended for the Public Distribution System (PDS).

The Raid and Seizures

Acting on precise intelligence regarding the illegal procurement and storage of government-subsidized goods, officials inspected premises located behind a government school and an open plot near the prominent Jayabheri Apartments. The raid uncovered a 12-tyre heavy-duty lorry loaded with approximately 520 plastic bags of rice, weighing between 40kg to 50kg each. Investigations confirmed the presence of Fortified Rice Kernels (FRK), proving the stock was specifically allocated by the Telangana government for underprivileged beneficiaries.

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Criminal Network Uncovered

The authorities have arrested five individuals involved in this racket: Mohd. Sami (27), a businessman from Rajendranagar; Nagesh (20), Biru Kumar (24), Md. Mubeen Ahmed Qureshi (20), and Abdul Neef (27)—all of whom were identified as drivers. Along with the grain, five vehicles used for illegal transportation, including the massive 12-tyre lorry and four smaller goods carriers, were seized by the police.

Legal Implications and Investigation

Preliminary findings suggest a systematic exploitation of the welfare system. The accused allegedly purchased PDS commodities from eligible beneficiaries at throwaway prices, only to redistribute them in the open market at significantly higher rates for illicit profit. This operation constitutes a severe violation of the Telangana State Public Distribution System (Control) Order, 2016. Law enforcement agencies are currently digging deeper to identify the masterminds behind this supply chain and to determine if the syndicate operates across state borders.