Mangaluru: The authorities seized 670 kg of ration rice that was being illegally hoarded for black market sales, after conducting a raid. The operation was initiated following a tip-off received by the complainant, HB Manjunath, the in-charge food inspector of Mulki taluk. Manjunath received a phone call from an informant alleging that a person named Riyaz had illegally stockpiled ration rice meant for public distribution system (PDS) on the ground floor of a house in Haleyangadi, with the intent of making an illegal profit.To verify the information, the officer rushed to the location. During the inspection on the ground floor of a house, officials discovered approximately 26 plastic bags filled with ration rice, each weighing between 20 kg to 30 kg, concealed under a plastic sheet.After confirming that the confiscated grain was indeed govt ration rice, witnesses were called to the spot. A formal spot inspection report was prepared in their presence, and two sample packets were collected from the stockpiled bags for evidence.According to officials, Riyaz had illegally stored the grains in an open room on the ground floor of the house to sell them on the black market for financial gain. The rice was immediately seized and transported to the rice godown in Kuloor.Officials have stated that strict legal action will be taken against Riyaz for the illegal hoarding and attempted black market sale of the ration rice.
