Attempt to smuggle rice from Civil Supplies godown; headload workers' knowledge of 'supply days' foils major crime

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: An attempt to smuggle 45 sacks of rice from the Civil Supplies godown near the Venjaramoodu market failed due to the intervention of headload workers.

A load of rice had arrived at the godown on Wednesday morning. After unloading it, the workers went to Supplyco's godown at Venjaramoodu junction. When they returned at around 10.30, the workers saw a pickup van coming out of the godown with rice. Since the workers knew that there was no rice supply to the ration shops on Wednesday, they became suspicious and stopped the vehicle and informed the police.

A police team led by Venjaramoodu Police SHO Azad Abdul Kalam reached the godown and informed the Supplyco authorities.

On receiving the information, a team comprising Taluk Supply Officer Seema, Nedumangad Junior Manager TA Anitha Kumari, and rationing officers Bindu and Deepthi immediately reached the spot. During the subsequent inspection, it was found that 45 sacks of rice, including red rice, raw rice and parboiled rice were in the vehicle. They then filed a complaint with the Venjaramoodu police. Based on this, the police registered a case in the incident and took the vehicle along with the rice into custody.

Action will be taken: Minister GR Anil

Minister GR Anil announced that a detailed investigation will be conducted into the incident in which rice and the vehicle were taken into custody on the complaint of Supplyco employees and strict action will be taken against the guilty.