Hooghly Police seize 400 sacks of smuggled ration rice, 2 arrested

Hooghly district police intercepted a truck carrying 400 sacks of ration rice during a naka checking on the feed road in the Bhandarhati area under Dhaniakhali police station. Two individuals, identified as Sanjay Dule and Karthik Dule, both residents of Bankura district, were arrested on suspicion of smuggling the rice.

The seized sacks bore the name and seal of the Food and Supply Department of the Government of West Bengal, raising concerns about the theft and illicit trade of government-subsidized goods meant for public distribution.

Police stopped the truck as part of routine checks and discovered the large consignment of ration rice. Upon questioning, the truck driver and his helper failed to provide satisfactory answers regarding the origin and destination of the rice. Suspecting foul play, the police detained them and seized the truck.

Preliminary investigations suggest that the vehicle was part of a smuggling operation involving subsidized ration rice. Both the driver and helper were produced before the Chunchura court on Thursday. The police have applied for 10 days of remand to facilitate further investigation into the case.

Authorities are now investigating whether the smuggling attempt was part of a larger network. The Food and Supply Department is also expected to conduct an inquiry to identify the source of the stolen rice and trace those responsible for its diversion.

Smuggling of ration rice is a grave offense as it deprives economically disadvantaged sections of essential commodities. Law enforcement officials have vowed to take stringent action against those involved in such illicit activities.