Gang held in Ranipet for smuggling 12 tonnes of PDS rice

A gang of three persons was arrested by Ranipet police in connection with the seizure of 12 tonnes of rice meant for supply under the Public Distribution System (PDS) in a private godown in Lalapet village near SIPCOT complex in Ranipet on Thursday.

Police said the arrested persons were identified as V. Govind Kumar, 25, R. Bushan, 29, and B. Ranjith, 26. The first two persons are from Bihar and the third member is from Allikulam village near Ranipet town.

Police said that based on the orders of Collector J.U. Chandrakala, special teams comprising police personnel and Civil Supplies officials were formed to prevent PDS rice smuggling in the district. During a surprise check in farming villages around the SIPCOT complex, the team conducted searches at a godown in Lalapet village, where they found several bags of PDS rice stacked in a lorry. Along with Civil Supplies officials, police nabbed the trio. Seized PDS rice was sent to the godown maintained by the Department of Civil Supplies in Ranipet. 

Police analysed CCTV footage in the area and found that a group of people were loading the rice bags onto the vehicle. Police said PDS rice is collected from public in various towns like Arakkonam, Sholinghur, Nemili, Walajah, Arcot for selling to wholesale dealers in Andhra Pradesh. Arrested person was lodged at Central Prison in Vellore. A case was registered by Ranipet police and further probe is under way.