Nagpur: Acting on a tip-off received around 9 pm on Monday, June 16, Nagpur Supply Department officials led by Circle Officer Sagar Suresh Bavare raided a tin shed opposite Shubh Kirana & General Store in the Taj Nagar-Tukdoji Putla area. During the inspection, they found that rice was being loaded into an Eicher truck bearing registration number MH 40 CM 0235.

Officials summoned panch witnesses before proceeding with further action. When questioned, workers loading the rice claimed the stock belonged to Mohammad Wasim Mohammad Rafiq, who was temporarily away. Upon his arrival, Wasim was asked to present purchase documents and licenses for the approximately 200 rice sacks found in the shed and truck. He failed to provide any documentation, stating he would submit them later.

Upon inspection, the rice was found to contain fortified grains — the kind supplied by the government to enhance nutrition among public distribution beneficiaries. Suspecting misuse of government stock, the officials collected samples and seized the rice and the vehicle.

A total of goods worth ₹14 lakh were seized. Based on findings, a case has been registered at Ajni Police Station under Sections 3 and 7 of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955.

The operation was conducted under the guidance of Food Grain Distribution Officer Vinod Kale and executed by Circle Officer Sagar Suresh Bavare, Dipali Bansod, and Vaibhav Khairkar.

The Supply Department has appealed to citizens to report any illegal sale or hoarding of government-supplied fortified rice, which is meant solely for nutritional distribution to eligible beneficiaries.