Belthangadi: A truck carrying a huge consignment of rice meant for Public Distribution System (PDS) rolled out of the main road near Sunnadagudu in Charmadi Ghat section on November 28.
The incident came to light, when the truck driver attempted to transship rice bags in quick time. Some youth suspecting it to be foul play, informed the Superintendent of Police (SP) at Mangaluru.
Police from Dharmasthala arrived late but managed to seize the rice bags and the truck. They resorted to mild lathi charge to disburse inquisitive mob from the area.
On verification, a bill of Sri Lakshmi Venkateshwara Rice Mill, based in Chikkamagaluru was found without any seal and a receipt from Agricultural Produce Market Committee with the “paddy” inscription. The rice bags were packed in an unusual manner giving rise to more doubts.
Witnesses at the site suspect that the consignment meant for PDS was being diverted illegally. However, truth will emerge after thorough police investigation, they opined.
