Police seize PDS rice at Katpadi, Arakkonam railway stations

The Government Railway Police (GRP) seized around 1.5 tonnes of rice meant for supplying under Public Distribution System from an express train at Katpadi and Arakkonam railway stations in Vellore and Ranipet districts respectively on Friday. 

Police said that based on orders of V.R. Subbulaxmi and J. U. Chandra Kala, Collectors of Vellore and Ranipet districts, special police teams were formed to prevent smuggling of PDS rice in the districts. 

During a surprise check at Katpadi railway station, the police team inspected Yesvantpur Express and found 15 sacks of rice (500 kg), kept near the washroom. They seized the rice and handed it over to the Katpadi Taluk Supply Officer (TSO) of the Department of Civil Supplies.

The police analysed the CCTV footage in the railway station and found that a few persons were getting out of the compartment without luggage and never boarded back the train again. 

In a similar search, the police seized around one tonne of PDS rice from an express train at Arakkonam railway station. The seized rice had been bought at low price from consumers in Nemili, Arakkonam, Sholinghur towns and surrounding villages.

Police said that the seized rice was being smuggled to Andhra Pradesh to be sold to wholesale dealers. A case was registered by the Katpadi police. Special teams have been formed to nab the suspects. A probe is under way.