In a major crackdown, the Supply Department officials seized approximately ₹14 lakh worth of government-supplied fortified rice during a late-night raid in the Taj Nagar–Tukdoji Putla area on Monday, June 16.
Based on a confidential tip-off, Circle Officer Sagar Suresh Bavare along with officers from the Supply Department raided a tin shed located opposite Shubh Kirana and General Store around 9 pm. During the inspection, officials 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 on the spot.
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.
The operation was carried out under the guidance of Food Grain Distribution Officer Vinod Kale, with the efforts of officers Sagar Bavare, Dipali Bansod, and Vaibhav Khairkar.
The Supply Department has urged the public to report any suspicious sale or misuse of government-distributed food grains to ensure the benefits reach the rightful recipients.
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