Daijiworld Media Network - Bantwal (SP)

Bantwal, Sep 27: The police, in an operation conducted at Ramalkatte near here, detected rice meant for distribution to ration card holders being diverted to the black market for being sold at a higher price.

Sub-inspector of the rural station here, Prasanna M S, and personnel of his station were checking vehicles at Ramalkatte on September 25, when a pick-up truck came that way from the direction of Thumbe. During scrutiny, it was found that the vehicle had 40 packets of rice under the government's ambitious 'Anna Bhagya' scheme, each of which weighed about 50 kg, 50 empty plastic bags, and stitching machine used for sealing plastic bags. The value of items so confiscated has been estimated at Rs 1,82,200.

In connection with this recovery, a person identified as Niaz Hassan (36), son of Abdul Razack, resident of Parlia House, 'B' Mooda village in the taluk, was arrested. He was produced in the court whereupon he was remanded to judicial custody. Owner of the shop, Hakim, has been absconding.

Through a release, the police stated that this operation was conducted by rural station sub-inspector, Prasanna M
S along with other personnel under the directions of assistant superintendent of police, Rishikesh Sonawane and guidance of police circle inspector of this circle, T D Nagaraj.