Guwahati, 16 July (HS): In a major crackdown on the illegal diversion of government-supplied rice, Basistha Police seized a truck carrying 200 bags of rice allegedly being transported illegally and arrested one accused, identified as Ashuruddin Mia last night.

Police said the arrest is part of an ongoing investigation into an organised racket involved in siphoning off government rice meant for public distribution. With the latest arrest, the number of accused held in the case has risen to three.

According to the investigation, the syndicate allegedly paid ₹500 per bag to fair price shop dealers to procure the subsidised rice illegally. The rice was then reportedly sold to a Meghalaya-based network at ₹1,000 per bag through operatives from Barpeta, earning huge illegal profits.

Police are continuing the investigation to identify and apprehend other members of the interstate smuggling network.-----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash