T’puram: The civil supplies department on Tuesday seized 246 sacks of ration foodgrains during surprise inspections at private godowns in and around Panachamoodu.The inspections, which continued until midnight, led to the seizure of 101 sacks (5,050kg) of parboiled rice, 25 sacks (1,250kg) of raw rice and 55 sacks (2,750kg) of wheat from a Tamil Nadu-registered truck parked at the Al Ameen Traders compound in Panachamoodu. The truck and seized foodgrains were handed over to Vellarada Police.Acting on a tip-off about the alleged illegal storage of ration rice at SNS Grocery Trading near the Panachamoodu panchayat office, officials inspected the premises. The shop was locked and its owner allegedly refused repeated requests to open it. The lock was subsequently broken in the presence of ward member Sasidharan and the village officer.Officials found 142 sacks of parboiled rice, 15 sacks of raw rice and eight sacks of wheat stored without supporting documents. Several sacks were old bags previously used for cattle feed and fertiliser. Cash amounting to Rs 6,750 was also found.The seized foodgrains were shifted to the Supplyco NFSA godown at Amaravila for safe custody. A report has been submitted to the district collector for further action.Minister Anoop Jacob said strict action would be taken against those involved in ration diversion, illegal storage and smuggling. Statewide inspections will be intensified, and ration shop licences may be suspended or cancelled for violations.
