Ballari: In a joint operation, authorities in Ballari have seized 82.80 quintals of Public Distribution System (PDS) rice, an amount valued at approximately Rs 1.90 lakh. The discovery was made on a road within the Ballari Rural police limits, specifically along the Kolagallu–Siruguppa stretch.
This recent seizure, detailed in a report from roughly three weeks ago, points to ongoing illicit activities involving essential food grains. The operation involved personnel from the Food and Civil Supplies Department working alongside the police. A case has been formally registered at the Ballari Rural Police Station, invoking Sections 3 and 7 of the Essential Commodities Act.
The location of the raid, along a road connecting Kolagallu and Siruguppa, falls under the jurisdiction of the Kurugodu Police Station in Ballari district.
Broader Context of Rice Seizures
This incident in Ballari is not an isolated event. Across various regions, authorities have reported significant seizures of rationed rice, suggesting a persistent issue of smuggling and diversion of PDS commodities.
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September 2023: In Tamil Nadu, over 5 tonnes of ration rice were seized from a mini lorry with Kerala registration in Kaavalkinaru. The rice was reportedly being smuggled to Kerala. A driver was detained in connection with this seizure.
October 2023: Civil Supplies CID police in Tirunelveli district apprehended five individuals and confiscated 11 tonnes of ration rice from two vehicles. The rice was reportedly being unloaded from a sports utility vehicle.
May 2025: Near Karaikudi, police intercepted a lorry carrying 27,000 kg of ration rice. The rice, sourced from various PDS shops, was allegedly intended for polishing and resale at a higher price. One person was arrested.
July 2024: A lorry loaded with 12 tonnes of ration rice was seized during a vehicle check in Kadayanallur.
September 2025: In another incident near Karaikudi, police seized 4,900 kg of ration rice and apprehended four individuals, including an auto-rickshaw driver. A goods van was also impounded.
October 2025: Tamil Nadu's Civil Supplies CID wing intercepted 25 tonnes of ration rice being transported to Kerala near Madukkarai. The rice originated from Karnataka and was reportedly packed in commercial bags for transit. Similar seizures of 25 tonnes were reported near Coimbatore, also en route to Kerala.
December 2024: Police in Madurai thwarted an attempt to smuggle 24,700 kg of ration rice to Kerala, arresting four men and booking five others.
February 2026: Two individuals were apprehended in Coimbatore with five tonnes of ration rice.
In a related development, a serial rice smuggler with 41 prior cases was detained under the Preventive Detention Act in the NTR district of Andhra Pradesh in March 2026. This individual allegedly procured ration rice from beneficiaries and fair price shop dealers, with the diverted grains being transported to other states for profit, thereby impacting the public distribution system and its intended beneficiaries.
The issue of unaccounted cash has also surfaced in Ballari, with a significant seizure of ₹5.6 crore in unaccounted money, alongside gold and silver, reported in April 2024.
