In a major crackdown on the black marketing of Public Distribution System (PDS) food grains, the Supply Department seized a large stock of fortified rice allegedly being prepared for illegal export. The operation took place on Wednesday night at a private container yard in Palspe, Panvel.
Acting on a tip-off, Supply Officer Ashwini Danve led a team to inspect trucks suspected of carrying PDS rice to the Ocean Gate CFS (Container Freight Station) for export. During the inspection, one of the truck drivers fled the scene, while another truck was found loaded with 319.75 quintals of fortified rice, which is distributed exclusively through the PDS. The total value of the seized rice and the truck is estimated to be ₹18 lakh.
“Further investigation revealed that the rice was sourced from Jai Anand Food Industries in Khalapur and was en route for illegal export. The seized rice was identified as fortified—a special variety enriched with nutrients and meant only for ration cardholders under government welfare schemes,” a police officer from Panvel City Police Station said.
Based on the findings, the Panvel City Police have registered a case against the owner of Jai Anand Food Industries and the truck driver. The driver has been taken into custody, while efforts are underway to locate the second driver who escaped during the raid.
