GUWAHATI: In a recent development, the food safety department in Assam's Karimganj uncovered a significant fraud operation involving rice smuggling. Reports reveal that during a raid conducted by officials, approximately 200 bags of rice were seized. The rice bags, weighing around 10,000 kilograms, had been concealed with the intention of smuggling them out of Assam to other states. Local businessman Najim Uddin was found to be associated with hoarding the rice bags and storing them in his warehouse.
According to officials, the accused individuals altered the packaging of rice bags sourced from the state government's food, civil supplies, and consumer affairs department, enabling them to smuggle the rice out of Assam undetected. The seizure of these rice bags sheds light on the extent of the fraudulent activities in the region and highlights the need for stricter enforcement and vigilance in the food supply chain.
Coincidentally, another scam related to rice distribution emerged on June 30 in the public distribution system (PDS) meant for the weaker sections of Assam's Sonitpur district. As a result, the Chief Minister's Vigilance Cell took seven individuals into custody for questioning. The detained individuals consisted of five fair price shop owners and two employees of a cooperative society.
Allegations were raised against these seven individuals for illegally selling rice that was intended for the designated beneficiaries. In response, the CM's Vigilance Cell deployed a team to Dhekiajuli, where the scam was reported. The detained persons were identified as Surajit Senapati, Anirudh Pal, Bhaskarjyoti Kar, Khubir Tati, Subrat Bonik, Mridul Taran, and Ashok Ghosh. This swift action by the authorities demonstrates their commitment to curbing corruption and ensuring the welfare of the weaker sections who heavily rely on the PDS for their sustenance.
These recent incidents of rice-related fraud expose serious vulnerabilities in the food distribution systems in Assam. The discovery of a massive smuggling operation in Karimganj, coupled with the PDS scam in Sonitpur district, raises concerns about the integrity and transparency of the state's food supply chain. It calls for urgent reforms and enhanced monitoring to prevent such frauds and safeguard the rights of the beneficiaries.
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