Karnataka arrests 232 in crackdown on rice black marketing

Food Minister Rizwan Arshad said more than 232 people had been arrested and sent to jail as part of the intensified enforcement drive.

Bengaluru: Karnataka has stepped up its campaign against rice smuggling and illegal stockpiling, with the Food and Civil Supplies Department seizing more than 18 lakh kg of rice and over 250 trucks during the past two months.

Food Minister Rizwan Arshad said more than 232 people had been arrested and sent to jail as part of the intensified enforcement drive. The department was maintaining continuous surveillance to prevent subsidised rice supplied through the public distribution system from being diverted into the open market.

The minister said the government would take stringent action against individuals and traders involved in the illegal transportation, storage and sale of rice.

Expressing concern over the impact of inadequate rainfall on agricultural production, Arshad said Karnataka had received around 40% less rainfall than normal. The rainfall deficit across the country had also affected rice production, contributing to concerns over availability and rising prices.

However, he cautioned traders against using the supply situation as an opportunity to make excessive profits. There were suspicions that certain traders were purchasing and storing rice in bulk with the intention of selling it later at higher prices.

The minister made it clear that the government would not permit private traders to hoard rice or create artificial shortages to push up market prices.

He said enforcement teams would monitor both subsidised PDS rice and regular commercial rice. Those found illegally accumulating stocks and selling them at exorbitant rates would face action.

Officials have been instructed to identify warehouses and other locations where rice is being stored in large quantities. The department would conduct inspections and raids based on information about suspected illegal stockpiling.

Arshad said the government was determined to protect consumers from artificial price increases and ensure that rice remained available at reasonable rates.

The State government is also communicating with the Centre regarding the impact of deficient rainfall on rice production and is examining possible measures to address the supply situation.

The minister reiterated that the crackdown would continue and that those involved in rice smuggling and black marketing would not be spared.