Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan targets rice mafia in fiery inspection

Kakinada – Andhra Pradesh: Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan lashed out at officials over the illegal smuggling of ration rice from Kakinada Port, pledging strict action against the perpetrators and reshuffling key positions to curb the menace.

Pawan Kalyan’s swift action and inspections

Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan conducted an on-ground inspection at Kakinada Port, personally visiting a ship carrying 38,000 metric tons of ration rice seized at sea. Traveling 9 nautical miles in a special boat, he reviewed the 640 tons of confiscated rice and interrogated officials on their failure to prevent such large-scale smuggling. Expressing deep anger, he demanded accountability, asking, “What are the officials doing if such massive quantities of rice are being smuggled?”

Immediate consequences for officials

In a stern move, Kakinada District DSCO MV Prasad was relieved of his duties and directed to report to the Civil Supplies Department Commissionerate. Lakshmi Devi has been appointed as the interim DSCO for Kakinada District. This reshuffle underscores the seriousness of the government’s approach to tackling the rice smuggling issue.

Rice mafia’s widespread network

Civil Supplies Minister Nadendla Manohar revealed during a press conference that the rice mafia has expanded operations across Andhra Pradesh, from Srikakulam to Chittoor. He disclosed that 51,000 tons of rice have been seized since the coalition government took office, including 26,000 tons of Public Distribution System (PDS) rice. “Even after the goods are seized, influential individuals try to get them released through courts,” he noted.

Government’s commitment to transparency

Reiterating the government’s dedication, Nadendla Manohar stated, “We will ensure transparency and work tirelessly to protect public resources. The rice meant for the people will reach them, and we will expose the real forces behind this mafia.”

Public money at stake

The Deputy CM and Civil Supplies Minister emphasized that the coalition government is determined to safeguard public money and dismantle the illicit network that exploits the PDS system. Strong measures and intensified monitoring at ports are expected as part of their strategy to combat smuggling.

This bold stance from Pawan Kalyan and his team signals the government’s zero-tolerance policy against corruption and its commitment to ensuring the proper distribution of essential commodities to the public.