Ration Smuggling Crackdown: 215 Arrested Across Karnataka

Karnataka has intensified its campaign against the illegal diversion of food supplies, with officials seizing 17.78 lakh kilograms of rice and other ration items over the past three months. The state has registered 238 cases and arrested 215 people in connection with the drive.

The Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department began the campaign on August 1, under the direction of Minister Rizwan Arshad. Teams have been examining vehicles that carry ration supplies and inspecting private godowns across multiple districts.

The seized goods include rice, wheat, ragi and other pulses. Belagavi, in north Karnataka, recorded the highest seizure, with more than 5 lakh kilograms of ration stock recovered. Kolar reported 3.5 lakh kilograms. In Bagalkot and Vijayapura, officials seized more than 1 lakh kilograms each of rice and other grains.

In addition to food grains, the department has been cracking down on the illegal storage of cooking gas cylinders and fuel. Officials have confiscated 14,250 litres of petrol and 1,492 gas cylinders during the same period. A total of 156 vehicles used in ration smuggling have also been seized.

The combined value of the seized goods is estimated at about Rs 10 crore.

Minister Arshad has asked officials to continue raids against networks involved in rice smuggling. He said that stealing or illegally diverting rice meant for the poor will not be allowed under any circumstances.

The minister pointed out that many people in the state are already facing difficulties due to drought-like conditions. Using rice intended for poor households for business or profit, he said, is an unforgivable crime that his government will not permit.

Arshad also cautioned that the department will take firm action against those who try to take advantage of rising rice prices by illegally storing grain or selling it in the black market.