The Hindu : Karnataka News : Rice-laden truck seized in Kolar district

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Wednesday, Jun 25, 2008
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Karnataka

Karnataka

Rice-laden truck seized in Kolar district

Staff Correspondent

KOLAR: Even as people are reeling under the burden of spiralling prices of essential commodities, illegal transportation of foodgrains meant for distribution to families living below the poverty line under the public distribution system (PDS) has come to light in Kolar district.

The authorities have found themselves under sharp criticism for their alleged laxity in taking action against the culprits.

On receiving information about the transportation of 200 quintals of rice in two trucks to a rice mill at Vemgal near here on Sunday, the Karnataka Prantha Raitha Sangha (KPRS) taluk unit president Holur Shankar reportedly alerted Deputy Commissioner B. Shivappa and urged him to seize the rice and initiate action against those involved in the incident.

But neither the Deputy Commissioner nor the officials from the Revenue and Police departments seized the lorries. KPRS leaders again approached Mr. Shivappa and warned him that the district administration would have to bear the responsibility if the public resorted to an agitation.

Finally, on the insistence of the sangha, the authorities seized one truck laden with rice. “No arrests have been made so far in this connection,” the Vemgal police said.

“A complaint was lodged with the police and a search is on to trace the other truck,” Mr. Shivappa told The Hindu. “I spoke to the Superintendent of Police in this regard,” he said. “Investigations are on to ascertain where the rice was taken from and other details. Further action will be initiated under the Essential Commodities Act,” Mr. Shivappa added.

Protest

Irked over the alleged laxity of officials, KPRS activists staged a demonstration in front of the Deputy Commissioner’s office on Monday. The leaders of the sangha expressed apprehension about efforts to cover up the episode, saying that some influential persons were behind the incident.

‘Being hushed up’

The leaders alleged that the police and Revenue officials at the lower level might have received bribes to hush up the incident. “The Government should not give scope for this and should take the matter seriously,” said Mr. Shankar.

“When the public level allegations on hoarding and misuse, the authorities ask them to state specific cases. But even though we provide information about the black marketing of PDS grains, authorities fail to act swiftly,” KPRS taluk secretary B.M. Venkatesh said.

“When poor people request for more rice for marriage and other functions, the authorities turn down their appeal. I wonder how 200 quintals of PDS rice came to a private rice mill for polishing. It is a clear case of black marketing. This would not have happened without the connivance of authorities,” Mr. Shankar said, and urged the district administration to take precautionary measures to prevent such incidents in future.

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