The Enforcement Squad of the Supply Department raided several locations in Malkangiri district and seized 320 quintals of illegally stored paddy.
Acting on reliable inputs, the team moved into the Kalimela block and discovered nearly 200 quintals inside a private godown owned by Prashanti De. Officials sealed the facility immediately. Then, they intercepted a truck nearby and confiscated another 200 quintals, which they deposited at the FCI godown.
Next, the squad raided Manyamkonda and seized 40 quintals from a tractor. Afterwards, they intercepted two pickup vans in Gompakonda carrying about 80 quintals. Police detained the vehicles and drivers at Kalimela station.
Authorities confirmed that FIRs will be filed against the godown owner, middlemen, and vehicle operators. They explained that unscrupulous traders had stored paddy in farmers’ houses to later sell it in mandis, bypassing procurement rules.
Meanwhile, the District Collector and SP ordered strict patrolling and intensified checks at all entry points. They assured genuine farmers that procurement will continue smoothly and urged them not to panic.
This crackdown comes as farmers in Kalimela protest delays in procurement. Consequently, the administration reiterated its commitment to buy paddy from all registered farmers within the stipulated time.
