Hyderabad Task Force arrests 5 for illegal sale of PDS rice, wheat in black market agents

In a major crackdown on the illegal sale of public distribution system (PDS) grains, the Commissioner's Task Force arrested five individuals for hoarding and selling PDS rice and wheat to black market agents. The raids were conducted in areas under the jurisdictions of Humayun Nagar, Chilkalguda, Musheerabad, Malakpet, and Yakatpura police stations on Thursday.

The operation led to the seizure of 46 quintals of PDS rice and 4 quintals of PDS wheat, alongside a weighing machine, a two-wheeler, and an Ashok Leyland vehicle, with a combined estimated value of Rs 2.5 lakh.

The accused had been collecting PDS grains from ration card beneficiaries and storing them in a warehouse, which was subsequently raided by the task force. Those apprehended have been identified as Vishal Yadav (22) from Attapur, Mohammad Nasir (28) from Bholakpur in Musheerabad, Mohd Shoaib (20) and Mohd Jahangir (28) from Mahamoodguda in Warasiguda, and Mohd Shahabaz (28) from Warasiguda. Additional suspects included Sangam Lova alias Raju (24) from Green Park Colony in Saroornagar, Syed Raheem (25), Syed Nazim (24), and Mohammed Mazher (28) from Patel Nagar in Amberpet.

S. Rashmi Perumal, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Task Force, Hyderabad, along with A. Srinivas Rao, Additional DCP, Task Force, and Inspectors S. Bala Swamy, D. Venkat Reddy, and A. Nagarjuna, coordinated the raids. The DCP emphasized that the raids are part of ongoing efforts to assist the civil supplies department and warned that stringent actions will continue against those engaged in such illicit activities.

The apprehended individuals have been handed over to the respective police stations for further legal action. The DCP reiterated that the crackdown on illegal PDS grain trading will persist to curb the misuse of resources intended for public welfare.