Udupi: Over 15 quintals of PDS rice seized from general store; case registered

Udupi: Over 15 quintals of PDS rice seized from general store; case registered

Mangalore Today News Network

Udupi, July 21, 2026: Officials of the Food and Civil Supplies Department seized over 15 quintals of rice allegedly diverted from the Public Distribution System (PDS) from a general store in Kenjoor village of Brahmavar taluk and registered a case under the Essential Commodities Act.

According to the complaint filed by Food Inspector Vasanth Kumar, the department received information from local residents that rice meant for free distribution to ration card holders was being illegally stored at a general store in the village.

Following the tip-off, the Deputy Director of the Food and Civil Supplies Department directed officials to inspect the premises. During the search, the inspection team found several bags of rice stored in a room adjacent to the shop. Officials identified the stock as rice supplied free of cost to beneficiaries under the Public Distribution System.

The rice was seized, and the shop owner was identified as Nagaraj Nayak, a resident of Kenjoor village in Brahmavar taluk. He allegedly failed to produce any documents authorising possession of the stock and could not provide a satisfactory explanation regarding its source.

Officials subsequently alerted the police. Assistant Sub-Inspector Vitthal M. of Brahmavar Police Station, along with witnesses, visited the spot and conducted a mahazar. The seized stock comprised 42 bags containing 15 quintals, 20 kg and 62 grams of rice, valued at Rs 51,680.

Based on the Food Inspector’s complaint, Brahmavar Police registered a case under Sections 3 and 7 of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, and relevant provisions of the Public Distribution System (Control) Order, 2016. Further investigation is in progress.