After Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan’s recent visit to the Kakinada Port, a huge PDS rice smuggling racket has surfaced in Andhra Pradesh. The state government now stepped up its crack under Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu who took the concerns seriously.
Police Case Filed Against Jayasudha
In this new twist in the case, a police complaint has been lodged against Jayasudha, wife of former minister Perni Nani, who is alleged to have pocketed the missing rice. The complaint was lodged at the Machilipatnam police station by Krishna Reddy, Assistant Manager at the Civil Supplies Corporation.
The Missing 185 Tonnes of Rice
Perni Nani had constructed a godown in Potlapalem, Machilipatnam, which was let out to the Andhra Pradesh Civil Supplies Department during the YCP tenure. The godown was to store government supplied rice meant for the Public Distribution System (PDS). But in routine inspection, it was found that 185 tonnes of rice was missing. Serious doubts were cast over the functioning of the godown.
This prompted the authorities to file charges against Jayasudha, the owner of the godown, and Teja, the manager of the facility, for their involvement in the disappearance.
Doubts Over Perni Nani’s Explanation
Perni Nani, on being asked about the missing rice, had explained that the discrepancy occurred because of the malfunctioning weight-bridge. However, this has been a much-debated issue since most people find it hard to believe how a faulty machine can lead to the loss of such a large quantity of rice.
Adding further to the mystery, Jayasudha is said to have written a letter to the Andhra Pradesh government stating that she was willing to pay compensation for the missing rice-a move that has only sparked more questions on the issue.
Rice Smuggling: The Controversy Hots Up
These alleged findings about missing rice sparked rumor mills talking of a major smuggling operation going on and PDS rice is diverted from the shores to Africa in a significant sum more for cash.
A number of questions have come out against people wanting comprehensive investigation.
Government Investigation Now in Full Swing
The discovery of the missing rice has fueled rumors of a larger smuggling operation, with claims suggesting that PDS rice is being diverted and sold overseas, particularly to African countries, for a significantly higher price. These allegations have prompted calls for a comprehensive investigation into the potential involvement of other individuals in this illegal activity.
