Ration Rice Scam: A Closer Look At The Missing 3708 Bags Of Rice

• General

• December 16, 2024

For the last two months, irregularities in the distribution of ration rice have been a talking point in the state. Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan have ordered strict action against the ration mafia, which they said has bloomed in five years of YSRCP rule. Despite these orders, the disappearance of 3,708 bags of rice from a godown linked to a former minister and YSRCP leader has left many raising eyebrows. The inaction and favoritism at various levels of administration have led to widespread criticism.

Authorities Under Scrutiny

The rice, which allegedly went missing from a godown in Machilipatnam associated with the family of former minister Perni Nani, has become a contentious issue. The case of criminals has been lodged and, the police report, that accused are absconding who have escaped. According to the critics, nothing has so far been done for catching them and arresting those criminals too. For example, three days after filing the case the accused were able to issue DDs of Rs 1 crore at the office of the JC. The manner in which the case is handled creates many questions.

• Why is the police not able to trace people who issued DDs?
• How could such a white money sum have been accumulated by the suspects?
• Do authorities let the influential people go scot-free due to any other reasons by delaying their actions?

Inaction Fuels Doubts

Even though a letter was submitted by Perni Nani's family regarding discrepancies in the rice stocks more than 20 days back, the probe seems to have been stuck. The criticism towards the Civil Supplies Department and police is that they have their eyes closed over the scam. Charges of the whole collusion to protect the family of former minister are going to take its shape, as there has been no update so far.

Tracing the Money Trail

The fact that the accused had issued DDs amounting to Rs. 1 crore raises many questions:

• Where did the money come from?
• Who authorized the payment of such a large amount?
• Were these monies to influence the investigation or pay off liabilities?

These financial transactions could give valuable clues about the scam if investigated thoroughly. But the police inaction has left the people feeling frustrated and speculation is rising that the whole system is corrupt.

Scale of the Scam

This loss of 3,708 bags of rice is equal to over ten truckloads. Nobody knows where that rice ended up or who received the kickback. That is an impossible level of diversion unless some higher authority or network within the ration supply chain were involved.

Call for Accountability

The public demands an open and detailed inquiry into exposing the culprits of this scam. Only when all key questions are answered can the government rebuild trust:

• Who let this enormous quantity of rice disappear?
• What role did the officials and political figures play in covering it up?
• Why has the Civil Supplies Department remained silent?

If these issues are not addressed, doubts about the involvement of powerful individuals in shielding the perpetrators will continue growing.