Odisha police on Monday intercepted two trucks smuggling 1,350 bags of paddy from Chhattisgarh, allegedly destined for illegal recycling at rice mills in Kalahandi district.
The incident highlights an ongoing concern regarding interstate grain trafficking and regulatory lapses.
The trucks bearing registration numbers CG04JSC7665 and CG06GEN9151 were stopped during a routine patrol at Bhutiarbahal, Deogaon. Authorities discovered falsified documents and suspected the grain was being moved illegally despite official bans on such interstate transfers. Following verification, drivers Byasdev Bag (30) from Basana village in Sitapur and Gadiram Yadav (44) from Shyamnagar, Raipur, were arrested.
The consignment reportedly originated from Savitri Rice Mill in Mahasamund, Chhattisgarh, and was being transported to Maa Manikeswari Enterprises, Bhatapada, Kalahandi. As per government directives, unauthorised grain movement between states is banned, sparking criticism toward the Food Supply Department for its perceived inaction.
After receiving formal complaints, Deogaon police wrote to district supply officials under case number 0200010/21.7.2025. Sadar ACSO Sharata Kumar Raut inspected the seized paddy and confirmed its illegal origin. The confiscated trucks and grain have been handed over to Tushura Samaleswari Rice Mill for safekeeping.
Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, during a recent public rally in Bolangir, issued stern warnings against grain smugglers, affirming that conspiracies affecting local farmers will not be tolerated. Yet, widespread allegations suggest that thousands of quintals of illegal paddy have already entered local mills.
