Karnataka seizes over 22 lakh kg of rice, 204 vehicles in crackdown on illegal stockpiling

The Karnataka government has intensified its crackdown on rice smuggling and illegal stockpiling, with the Food and Civil Supplies Department seizing over 22.58 lakh kg of rice and 204 vehicles between August 1 and October 31.

According to data from the department, 330 raids and investigations were conducted across the state during the three-month period. A total of 292 FIRs were registered and 250 people were arrested.

Food and Civil Supplies Minister Rizwan Arshad said the government was maintaining continuous surveillance to prevent subsidised rice distributed through the public distribution system (PDS) from being diverted into the open market. He warned that stringent action would be taken against individuals and traders involved in the illegal transportation, storage, and sale of such rice.

The seizures included 22,584.31 quintals of rice, valued at approximately Rs 5.61 crore. The department also seized 204 vehicles worth Rs 5.74 crore. The overall value of essential commodities and assets seized during the period, including rice, fuel, vehicles, and buildings, stood at over Rs 11.92 crore.

District-wise figures show that Belagavi recorded the highest quantity of rice seized at 4,975.23 quintals, followed by Kolar with 3,899.6 quintals, and Haveri with 3,001.74 quintals.

Kalaburagi recorded the highest number of arrests, with 52 people taken into custody, followed by Vijayapura with 31. Ballari recorded the highest number of cases at 35, followed by Kalaburagi with 34.

In Bengaluru, the department seized 359.45 quintals of rice in the Bengaluru Urban district and 196.08 quintals in Bengaluru West. Bengaluru West recorded three arrests, while Bengaluru South and Bengaluru Rural reported one arrest each.

The department also seized 1,298 litres of petrol and diesel, valued at approximately Rs 36.62 lakh, and four buildings worth Rs 20 lakh.

Expressing concern over the impact of deficient rainfall on agricultural production, Minister Arshad said, “Karnataka received around 40% less rainfall than normal. The rainfall deficit across the country affected rice production.” 

However, he cautioned traders against exploiting the situation to make excessive profit. The government suspected that some traders were purchasing and storing rice in bulk with the intention of selling it later at higher prices.

Minister Arshad said the government would not allow private traders to hoard rice or create artificial shortages to drive up market prices. Enforcement teams have been directed to monitor both subsidised PDS rice and commercially sold rice. Officials have also been instructed to identify warehouses and other locations where rice is allegedly being stored illegally and conduct inspections and raids.

The state government is also in communication with the Union government regarding the impact of deficient rainfall on rice production and is examining measures to address potential supply concerns.