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Authorities have initiated the identification of PDS rice

Authorities have initiated the identification of PDS (Public Distribution System) rice among the bags loaded onto the 'Stella L' in the Kakinada Deep Water Port, following a visit by the Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, after which the State government has intensified efforts to curb smuggling of PDS rice, meant to feed the poor. 38,000 metric tonnes of rice had been loaded onto the ship since its arrival at the port a week before Pawan Kalyan’s visit to Kakinada. On Jan 1, 2025, samples were collected from the rice bags to distinguish PDS rice, and find out those involved in its illegal export. Civil Supplies Department officials stated that each bag weighs 50 kg, and samples need to be collected from 20 bags per tonne. With around 8 lakh bags loaded, this process is expected to take considerable time. Modern technology could expedite the process by identifying PDS rice directly, especially since it is mixed with fortified rice in these bags. There was no timeline for the sampling and testing process or the duration the vessel would remain docked. The procedure may take 7-10 days. However, ongoing loading operations of other materials ensured minimal loss for the vessel operator apart from additional expenses for loading and unloading. The loading of other export materials onto the vessel was going on and was expected to take approximately ten more days.

Bulk carrier to be released next week

The 'Stella L', which was seized on Nov 27 for being loaded with rice meant for the Public Distribution System and was being used to smuggle it to West Africa, will now resume its voyage on Jan 4., 2025 The ship was flagged during the visit of Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan and Minister for Civil Supplies Nadendla Manohar to the Kakinada port. It had unearthed a major scam that started on a large scale during the YSRCP regime. Many things wer now unfolding that even some former ministers and political leaders had played a major role in the rice smuggling activities.

Seizure of bulk carrier may not be possible

On Dec 17, the District Collector Shan Mohan Sagili stated that seizing the 'Stella L', that arrived from Haldia port on Nov 11 en route to Cotonou, may not be possible due to procedural and legal issues. A 10-member multidisciplinary committee constituted after Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan inspected the ship on Nov 28, collected random samples from the third hatch, and submitted its report. 640 metric tonnes of PDS rice was loaded, but it was released with bank guarantees. Pawan Kalyan visited the port the next day, and directed the officials to seize the ship. The Collector said the identified PDS rice stock of 1,320 metric tonnes on the shop would be downloaded, and it would take 48 hours. The cargo belongs to Satyam Balajee Rice Industries, and the process of acquiring the stock is being investigated further. Later, the remaining loading works onto the ship would be taken up. At the anchorage, a barge was already seized with 1,054 metric tonnes of PDS rice after all inspections. The rice belongs to Lavana International and Sai Teja Exporters. Records of both the companies were being verified. Other companies involved were also being probed. In connection with the 13 PDS rice pending cases, 137 rice mills were identified and inspected for the past few days, SP said. While 89 mills are in Andhra Pradesh, the remaining are located in Telangana, Chhattisgarh and other States. After all verifications, further action would be initiated. There would be no impact on the shipping activity, as 12 ships were awaiting the loading of raw rice, boiled and broken rice at the Kakinada port.