Authorities in Uttar Pradesh’s Mathura district have seized two trucks carrying nearly 500 quintals of government rice allegedly allocated for ethanol production, after suspecting that the subsidised grain was being diverted for sale in another state. The Chhata tehsil administration and police carried out the joint operation following specific intelligence inputs, and a special inquiry committee has been formed to examine the case.
Trucks Intercepted in Chhata
According to the administration, officials from the police and the Food and Civil Supplies Department set up a checkpoint near the old police outpost in Chhata after receiving information about the alleged movement of government rice.
Two trucks that had allegedly departed from Alliance Distillery Private Limited were intercepted during the operation. Officials said the drivers were asked to produce valid documents related to the transportation of the rice but could not furnish the required records.
The two vehicles were subsequently seized, and the drivers were taken into custody for questioning at the local police station. Authorities said the process of registering an FIR under relevant legal provisions has been initiated.
Subsidised Rice Under Scanner
Preliminary inquiries indicate that the distillery receives government rice at concessional rates for ethanol production under the applicable policy framework. Investigators suspect that the rice was not being used for its designated purpose and was allegedly being diverted for commercial gain.
Authorities are examining allegations that the rice was being transported to Haryana and possibly other states for sale at higher market prices. Officials said these allegations will be confirmed only after the investigation is completed.
Inquiry Committee Formed
The administration has constituted a special inquiry committee to examine the matter in detail. The committee will investigate how long the alleged irregularities may have been taking place, identify individuals or entities involved and determine whether there were violations in procurement, transportation or utilisation of the government-allotted rice.
Officials from the Food and Civil Supplies Department said the seized rice has been transferred to the allocation of local fair-price shops under the Public Distribution System to ensure that the foodgrain reaches eligible beneficiaries.
Investigating agencies are now examining transport records, supply documents, CCTV footage and other documentary and technical evidence. Officials said further legal action will be taken if the role of additional individuals, company representatives or any organised network is established during the probe.
