‘Operation Bhakshya Suraksha’: Vigilance unearths massive ration distribution scam in state-wide crackdown

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a major crackdown on corruption within the Public Distribution System (PDS), the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau conducted a series of simultaneous raids across Kerala under the codename 'Operation Bhakshya Suraksha'. The state-wide operation exposed widespread irregularities, leading to the seizure of unaccounted cash and the catching of several officials red-handed.

The raids targeted 14 National Food Security Act (NFSA) godowns and 54 retail ration shops across the state. In a calculated sting operation, Vigilance officers disguised themselves as construction labourers to purchase food grains directly from retail outlets, catching four licensees completely off guard.

Systematic fraud and financial irregularities

The investigation uncovered stock discrepancies in 11 major godowns and 25 ration shops. Furthermore, the agency intercepted suspicious financial transactions totalling ₹18,22,000 involving a network of middlemen, supply contractors, and retail licensees.

The probe revealed a highly coordinated modus operandi:

• Fake Billing: Supply tracking systems showed that while many consumers never received or claimed their designated quotas, fake bills were generated under their names. These grains were then diverted to the open market and sold at inflated prices.
• Logistics Loophole: The vehicles deployed for the doorstep delivery of ration supplies were found to be operating without mandatory GPS tracking systems, enabling unmonitored transport.

District-wise breakdown of violations

The Vigilance team documented severe lapses and corrupt practices across multiple districts:

• Thiruvananthapuram: At a retail shop in Nettarakonam, authorities found evidence of the licensee receiving payments via Google Pay from poultry farm and bakery owners in exchange for diverted subsidised goods. In Bonacaud, undercover officers caught a licensee illegally selling rice. Severe stock shortages were also recorded at a shop in Vellanad.
• Kollam: An Eravipuram-based ration dealer reportedly received ₹2,97,000 via Google Pay as proceeds from smuggled food grains. Major stock deficits were flagged at the Kadakkal NFSA godown and retail shops in Pulimukku, Manjappara, and Udayanchira.
• Pathanamthitta & Alappuzha: A licensee was arrested after selling subsidised rice to undercover agents. Discrepancies were noted at the Adoor Parakode godown and shops in Pazhakulam, Enathu, and Athikkayam. In Kuttanad (Alappuzha), a Junior Assistant at the NFSA godown was caught taking a bribe of ₹6,750 from local ration dealers.
• Kottayam & Idukki: Stock shortages were detected at the Kanjirappally godown and retail shops in Veloor. In Idukki, operators at Vazhithala and Nediyasala sold rice directly to disguised Vigilance officers, uncovering a broader pattern of stock manipulation across Peerumedu and Vengalloor.
• Ernakulam & Thrissur: A retail outlet in Kalamassery was flagged for stock shortages. In Thrissur's Kolangattukara godown, two Junior Assistants were found to have accepted bribes of ₹25,000 and ₹42,000 from a transport contractor; the godown showed a massive shortage of 7,000 kg of grain. In Varavoor, a shop owner was caught taking ₹23,900 from a local hotelier.
• Palakkad: A Senior Assistant at the Maruthur godown was found to have accepted a staggering ₹12 lakh from grain traders, alongside over ₹2 lakh from a retail dealer in Koppam. Stock discrepancies were also reported in Thenkurissi and Kallingalpalam.
• Malappuram & Wayanad: A Rationing Inspector at the Pariyapuram godown was caught pocketing ₹25,500. Irregularities were also found at the Nilambur godown and shops in Amminikkad and Vengara. In Wayanad, 21 illegally withheld ration cards were seized from a shop in Kavumannam, alongside massive stock deficits at the Mananthavady godown.
• Kannur: Inspections at the Iritty Peruvamba godown revealed an acute shortage of 11,960 kg of atta (wheat flour). Conversely, inspectors found an unexplained excess of 3,500 kg of rice and 1,500 kg of wheat stored on the premises.

A comprehensive report detailing these findings is expected to be submitted to the government for immediate disciplinary and legal action against the compromised officials and licensees.