Yavat police in Maharashtra struck a major blow against hoarding syndicates, confiscating grains valued at Rs 10,69,856 from a warehouse at Kedgaon’s APMC complex. The April 8 raid exposed Sunil Vishwanath Nimbalkar’s scheme to stockpile 492 wheat bags (Rs 8.85 lakh) and 144 rice bags (Rs 2.84 lakh) illegally.
Nimbalkar, from Kedgaon in Daund tehsil, operated from a rented godown even after his wholesale license lapsed in 2017-18. Preliminary findings point to the grains originating from state-run ration outlets, diverted for high-profit black market sales that undermine public access to subsidized food.
Supply inspector Pankaj Gopal Gore, 34, from Mhsobachi Wadi in Indapur tehsil, filed the complaint, leading to FIR 320/2026 under the Essential Commodities Act at Yavat station in Pune Rural. The operation was overseen by PSI Hawa Bhor, with PSI Wagaj now digging deeper into the network.
Kedgaon has seen prior reports of similar malpractices in APMC facilities. Officials have issued stern advisories to traders, promising rigorous enforcement. This incident highlights ongoing challenges in protecting India’s public distribution network from profiteers exploiting essential commodities.
