Silvester D'Souza
Daijiworld Media Network - Kundapur
Kundapur, Aug 21: The police have arrested a man on charges of illegally obtaining rice meant for beneficiaries under the state government's 'Anna Bhagya' scheme and making a business out of it.
The accused, identified as Mohammed Naseer (34) of Kundapur, was arrested at Janata Colony, Uppunda on Thursday August 20 in an operation led by Kundapur food inspector Chandrashekar.
As much as 883 kg of rice valued at Rs 24,416 was seized from the accused. The rice sacks were being transported by Naseer in an Omni, which was also seized.
Sources said that every fortnight, Naseer and two others would buy Re 1-per-kg rice meant for beneficiaries under 'Anna Bhagya' scheme from a fair price shop by paying Rs 11 per kg and selli it in the black market.
It is said that locals have been complaining of the illegal rice racket for a long time, and had even complained to the Udupi deputy commissioner, who in turn instructed the food and civil supplies department and the police to keep a close watch.
On Thursday, the locals at Uppunda again alerted the officials about the illegal trade, after which a team led by Chndrashekar rushed to the spot and caught hold of Naseer, while his two accomplices managed to escape.
The accused was later handed over to Byndoor police for further investigation.