CHENNAI: A Civil Supplies-CID official in Nagapattinam has warned that persons involved in ration rice smuggling will be detained under the Goondas Act, as reported by Daily Thanthi.

The Civil Supplies-Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has been monitoring the sale of subsidised ration rice, dhal, domestic LPG cylinders, and other such essential commodities in black markets. The department has stepped up surveillance at PDS shops, direct paddy procurement stations, paddy storage warehouses, and godowns where petrol and diesel is stocked, across Nagapattinam district.

"77 cases of smuggling and hoarding of ration rice have been registered in Nagapattinam district this year, and more than 5 tonnes of ration rice have been seized. Similarly, 3 cases of ration dhal smuggling and 20 cases of smuggling of domestic LPG cylinders have been registered. The cuprits were fined commensurate with the objects recovered," the official told Daily Thanthi.

Similarly, there is a complaint related to smuggling and hoarding of ration rice in important public places like buses, railway stations, and shopping streets, he added.

"We are putting up awareness posters for the public to report such smuggling instances. They can contact the toll-free number 18005995950 for information," he informed.