THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Food department has started a secret investigation based on an information that there was an attempt to sabotage the ration distribution in the state. Department officials have found that as the e-pos machine is running slowly in ration shops of certain taluks, some people are spreading rumors that ration distribution is out of sync across the state.

7.33 lakh cardholders received goods from 14,036 ration shops on Thursday, which is the highest number of people buying single day's ration till date. The average number of cardholders receiving a daily ration in the state is between 3.5 lakh and 4 lakh. But since Thursday morning, there was a propaganda that the ration distribution was totally disrupted in the state.

The adjustments made from Januray 13 regarding ration distribution was withdrawn yesterday. Ration distribution in some taluks has slowed down due to overcrowding. As a result, biometric punching system also slowed down. Although the ration shops were open till 6.30 pm, due to the delay, distribution continued till 8 pm in 2530 shops.

62.62 per cent of the goods were delivered, with three days remaining for this month to end.

Authorities said that the problem is not with the server but with the network. Yesterday, 7.33 lakh cardholders received goods, a recent record, informed Food Minister GR. Anil . The government has noticed that some people are trying to create issues in ration distribution. Thier approach discourages cardholders from buying rations. The minister urged all cardholders to collect rations and not to fall prey to such scams.