Even as 48% population of Rayagada district is reported to be ‘poor’ and lack of food security is one of the primary reasons for the factor, smuggling of PDS rice meant for distribution among the poor continues non-stop here, thanks to a mafia-official nexus. In many places the Re1/kg rice is available in open market.
Fortunately, the Rayagada police under the leadership of SP Vivekananda Sharma have taken strong initiatives to curb the plunder. Recently, Gunupur police conducted a raid in Penkam village, seized 3,000 kg rice meant to be distributed to BPL families and nabbed the culprits under Essential Commodities Act.
Similarly, after a police raid in a cashew factory at Chalakamba under Gunupur police limit, 5,000 kg PDS rice along with an Ashok Leyland truck was seized and two culprits were arrested. The PDS rice was to be illegally transported to Andhra Pradesh.