23.70 metric tonnes of PDS rice seized in AP, cases booked against two scribes

KAKINADA: The Regional Vigilance and Enforcement officials seized 23.70 metric tonnes of rice belonging to the Public Distribution System (PDS), kept in 474 plastic bags, worth ₹17.80 lakhs.

Criminal cases have been booked against a local channel reporter, Kathula Eswararao of Kovvuru and Srihari who previously worked with a Telugu daily, in connection with the seizure.

Enforcement in charge SP Karanam Kumar said the rice was being carried from Kusumanchili village of Khammam district in Telangana state to Rajamahendravaram of Andhra Pradesh.

“The PDS rice belongs to Shaik Meeravali of Kodada village in Telangana. There were no valid papers for the rice transportation. According to a statement of driver Kondala Rao, the PDS rice was being transported under the supervision of the two reporters,” he said.

The SP said criminal cases would be booked against the two reporters, PDS rice owner Shaik Vali and vehicle driver Kondala Rao.