Even after the introduction of e-PoS (Electronic Point of Sales) machines for the biometric validation of consumers’ identity, there seems to be no end to attempts to siphon off unpurchased stock of ration rice for the black market. The seizure of about 646.2 quintals of grains from the Bhawnathpur market on Wednesday has brought to light the nexus between a few ration dealers and illegal agents in the open market.
The District Food and Civil Supplies department has seized nearly 646 quintals of grains — meant for distribution in the Public Distribution System (PDS) in Garhwa district — from an unauthorised private warehouse.
The grains were seized on Wednesday , after the district food and civil supplies office led by DSO Raj Maheshwaram conducted raids to check black-marketing of grains meant for PDS. The district administration has lodged an FIR against one person who was caught red-handed along with the grains.
District Supply Officer (DSO) cum Garhwa SDO Raj Maheshwaram said, "For the last one month, we have been receiving reports that there are several areas where foodgrain sent to the district supply unit for distribution were not being sent to PDS shops. Instead, they were being smuggled to be sold in black markets."
On the basis of the information and the directions of the Deputy Commissioner, Ramesh Gholap raided a warehouse at Bhawnathpur and seized 646. 2 quintals of grain — including 400.8 quintals of wheat and 245.4 quintals of rice — marked to be supplied to PDS shops. The supply was being lodged in a private warehouse at Bhawnathpur market.
"All the sacks had the mark saying these grains were to be supplied to PDS shops. But grains are being supplied to the rice mills. We caught one person on the spot and he did not have proper documents. On probing, we found that the grains were being supplied to the rice mills at Tupudana Ranchi and another mill," said Maheshwaram.
Block supply officer Mukesh Machhua lodged FIR against warehouse owner Ashok Kumar under the Essential Commodities Act 1955, Jharkhand Targeted Public Distribution System (Control) Order 2019 / 2022 and other relevant sections of the National Food Security Act IPC.