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Ration rice seized

In the net: Kottayam District Collector Sharmila Mary Joseph and members of the raiding party at a private godown at Changanassery from where ration rice was seized on Friday.

KOTTAYAM: District authorities on Friday seized 617 sacks of rice meant for distribution through ration shops, from two private godowns in Changanassery.

Changanassery Taluk Supply officer P.C. Joseph, who led the team, said the rice would cost more than Rs.7 lakh in the open market.

The raid was conducted on the basis of a tip-off received by the District collector. When the team arrived at the godowns near a road that connects the Vattappalli market near Changanassery with Kakkamthode, they were found closed.

Since the owners were no where to be seen, the raiding party forcibly opened the lock, he said. In addition to rows of rice sacks carrying FCI and Supplyco seals, there were repacking machines and 50 kg sacks of new brands, some of them packed and some, empty. The raid which started at 9.30 a.m. continued till evening. Mr. Joseph said the owners of the godowns were identified as Joseph Pathickal, Thomas Mathew and Mathew Joseph. Till evening none of them reached the spot.

Ration rice, including Custom Milled Rice (CMR), boiled rice and raw rice were stocked at the godowns. Mr. Joseph said the source of the CMR was identified as a private mill in Kottayam district. The sacks carrying FCI seal were supposed to be from FCI godowns outside the district.

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