In response to the escalating issue of illegal Public Distribution System (PDS) rice exports, the Andhra Pradesh government has established a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate 13 cases reported in Kakinada district. The SIT, led by CID Inspector General of Police Vineet Brijlal, was formalized through an order issued by Special Chief Secretary Neerabh Kumar Gupta on Friday.
The team, empowered under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), is authorized to conduct searches, seize goods, and scrutinize documents. It aims to identify key offenders and enforce strict legal actions. A progress report is to be submitted every two weeks.
The initiative follows concerns raised by the Director General of Police (DGP) over the rising illegal export of subsidized rice. The DGP highlighted a sophisticated network of millers, exporters, and politically connected individuals involved in smuggling. Exporters often polish and rebrand subsidized rice as premium varieties, selling them at inflated prices abroad, primarily in African markets.
Ports like Kakinada, Krishnapatnam, and Chennai have been flagged as critical hubs for this illicit trade, which exploits weak enforcement and undermines food security programs designed for the underprivileged.
The SIT comprises senior officers, including SP B Uma Maheswar and DSPs T Ashok Vardhan, M Balasundara Rao, R Govinda Rao, and M Rathaiah. It has the authority to seek assistance from other government departments to strengthen the investigation. The government is determined to dismantle this malpractice and hold all culprits accountable.
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