Officials at a grain-storage premises in an image shared by the Food Department. Image: Supplied.
Bengaluru: Karnataka food-supplies officials have seized about 17.78 lakh kg of ration grain in an enforcement drive since August 1, registering 238 FIRs and arresting 215 people, according to a release shared by the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department on October 29.
The department said inspections of vehicles transporting ration supplies and raids on private godowns had led to the seizure of rice, wheat, ragi and other grains across districts. It also reported the seizure of 156 vehicles allegedly used for illegal transport.
Belagavi and Kolar account for major grain seizures
More than five lakh kg of ration grain was seized in Belagavi district, while Kolar accounted for 3.5 lakh kg. Bagalkot and Vijayapura each recorded seizures exceeding one lakh kg, the department said.
Separately, enforcement against illegal storage of cooking gas and fuel yielded 14,250 litres of petrol and 1,492 LPG cylinders over the three-month period. The combined value of the seized grain, cylinders and petrol was estimated at about ₹10 crore.
Food Minister Rizwan Arshad directed officials to continue action against diversion of ration supplies intended for low-income households. The department said it would also act against illegal hoarding and black-market sales of rice amid rising prices.
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