Food Secretary J. Radhakrishnan on Thursday said that rice meant for the public distribution system (PDS) was being smuggled through the sea.
Addressing presspersons, he said that they were getting specific inputs, including the boat number and names of those who were involved in the smuggling. Dr. Radhakrishnan said with the State government and the police blocking ways to smuggle rice meant for the PDS, including three major and 16 minor routes in Tiruvallur district and the rail route via Gummidipoondi, the new mode of smuggling by sea was being chosen by the smugglers.
Dr. Radhakrishnan, along with District Collector Alby John Varghese, visited the private rice mill from where rice and wheat meant for the PDS had been packed and sold under a brand name. “The government wants us to find the kingpins. It is not interested in the small fry like vehicle drivers,” he said.
