Belagavi, 27 July

The Karnataka government has intensified its crackdown on the black marketing of rice distributed under the "Anna Bhagya" Scheme, with the Food and Civil Supplies Department preparing a list of offenders across the state. In Belagavi district alone, 32 individuals have been identified for their alleged involvement in the illegal trade of ration rice.

The Secretary of the Food and Civil Supplies Department has written to the Commissioner, directing officials to initiate strict legal action against those named in the list. The communication includes the names of rice traders, organisations and rice mill owners allegedly involved in the illegal procurement and sale of subsidised rice.

Officials say the illegal network involves purchasing rice meant for beneficiaries at Rs 11 to Rs 14 per kilogram, hoarding it and selling it at higher prices. Much of the rice is allegedly routed through rice mills before being transported to other states for profit.

The district administration, Food and Civil Supplies Department and Police Department have been conducting joint raids to curb the illegal trade. Earlier, Belagavi Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Roshan had warned that ration card holders found selling their subsidised rice would face cancellation of their ration cards.