Nagpur, 17

June (HS): In a major crackdown, the Civic Supplies Department officials seized

approximately ₹14 lakh worth of government-supplied fortified rice during a late-night

raid on Monday in the Taj Nagar, Tukadoji Putla area in Nagpur.

Based on a tip-off, Circle Officer Sagar Suresh Bavare, along with

officers raided a tin shed around 9 pm. They discovered fortified rice being

illegally loaded into an Eicher truck (MH 40 CM 0235).

Workers at

the site claimed the rice belonged to Mohammad Wasim Mohammad Rafiq, who

arrived at the location shortly after. When questioned, Wasim failed to produce

valid purchase records or licenses for the stock, stating he would provide them

later.

A detailed

inspection revealed that the rice contained fortified grains, typically

distributed under government welfare schemes to enhance nutritional value for

beneficiaries. Suspecting misuse, the officials seized the truck and

approximately 200 sacks of rice.

Samples were

collected for verification, and the rice and vehicle were officially

confiscated. A case has been registered under Sections 3 and 7 of the Essential

Commodities Act, 1955, at Ajni Police Station.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Ajay Vasant Mardikar