Karnataka Seizes 17.78 Lakh Kg of Smuggled Ration Rice Over Past 3 Months

The Food and Civil Supplies Department has seized approximately 17.78 lakh kg of smuggled ration rice and other foodgrains across Karnataka over the past three months, Minister Rizwan Arshad announced in Bengaluru.

The enforcement drive uncovered widespread diversions of public distribution commodities across multiple districts in the state. Belagavi district recorded the single largest volume of confiscated stock, with authorities seizing more than 5 lakh kg of ration commodities.

In Kolar district, departmental operations led to the interception and seizure of 3.5 lakh kg of illicitly moved grains during the same three-month window.

Significant quantities were also recovered in northern Karnataka. More than 1 lakh kg each of rice and other foodgrains were confiscated by officials in Bagalkot and Vijayapura districts.

The seizures were executed as part of an ongoing state crackdown to curb the illegal trade and smuggling of subsidised food grains intended for public distribution cardholders.