After Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan's inspection of Kakinada Port, significant action unfolded in the administrative machinery. On November 29, Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan, Civil Supplies Minister Nadendla Manohar, and district officials investigated allegations that PDS rice was being illegally transported overseas via the Stella ship. Following the government’s orders, a comprehensive probe was initiated.
Kakinada District Collector Shan Mohan provided updates at a press conference on Tuesday regarding the illegal movement of ration rice at the port. He revealed that a team from five departments inspected five compartments of the Stella ship for 12 hours, collecting 12 samples. Out of the 4,000 tonnes of rice onboard, 1,320 tonnes were confirmed as PDS rice.
The investigation uncovered that Satyam Balaji Rice Industries was exporting the rice. Authorities are currently determining the source of the PDS rice and where it was stored prior to transport.
Immediate Action Planned:
“We will take strict measures to ensure no PDS rice leaves the country. Honest traders and laborers have nothing to fear,” assured the Collector.
District SP Vikrant Patil announced that cases have been registered against 13 companies implicated in the illegal handling of ration rice stored in warehouses. He confirmed ongoing investigations into these companies.
Additionally, inspections of rice mills in the East Godavari and West Godavari districts revealed that PDS rice was supplied from 89 mills. Authorities are intensifying inspections at various locations to prevent further violations.
Officials have reiterated their commitment to ensuring strict compliance with regulations and safeguarding public resources. Investigations will continue, and further actions will be taken against offenders involved in the illegal trade of PDS rice.
