Jharsuguda police have seized truckloads of PDS wheat that was being smuggled from Bargaon and being transported to Baraipali in Sambalpur district to be sold in the black market.
It is suspected that the wheat was meant for distribution under the Public Distribution System (PDS). Acting on a tip-off, the police intercepted the truck near BTM bypass at Jharsuguda on early Wednesday morning and seized it. There are allegations doing the rounds that such activities are going on unchecked due to the patronage of some ‘dishonest’ authorities.
Sources revealed that four contractors of Sundargarh district have been sending PDS wheat to Jharsuguda and Sambalpur flour mills regularly. Deputy Superintendent of Police Anthony Tirkey said, “We have informed the Civil and Supply Department for further investigation into this matter.” CSO RK Dehury said, “Such activities could possibly be carried out by agents involved in executing PDS or ICDS projects. However, the truth would come to fore after the probe is over.”
In August last, Jharsuguda police seized 1,000 quintals of PDS wheat from a godown of lodha flour mill and owner of the mill Anil lodha was arrested under the provisions of the Essential Commodities Act.