Erode: The Erode district police seized 450 kg ration rice near Bhavanisagar on Wednesday morning. Based on a tip-off that rice meant for the public distribution system (PDS) was being smuggled, Bhavanisagar police and officers from the civil supplies CID conducted a raid in the old public works department (PWD) quarters area.They seized 450 kg of ration rice packed in nine sacks, along with a two-wheeler allegedly used for smuggling the rice.“Investigations revealed that S Vijayakumar, 49, of the Sri Lankan Tamil Rehabilitation Camp in Bhavanisagar, was involved in the smuggling,” said a police officer. A case has been registered against him under provisions of the Tamil Nadu Essential Commodities (Regulation) Act and the Essential Commodities Act, 1955. Police launched a search for him.Preliminary inquiries suggest that ration rice was being purchased from residents in Bhavanisagar and surrounding areas.(Photos: S Parthiban)
