Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan conducted an inspection at Kakinada Port, addressing allegations of large-scale illegal transportation of rice. During his visit, he examined 1,064 tons of rice sacks loaded onto a barge, reportedly destined for illegal export to West African countries.
State Minister for Civil Supplies, Nadendla Manohar, briefed Kalyan on the persistent issue of ration rice smuggling from the port. Highlighting the gravity of the situation, Kalyan posted on X, “I came to Kakinada port to check the illegal smuggling of PDS rice. A scam rampant in the last regime is still continuing. This port looks like a free-for-all with no accountability.”
Kalyan criticized the lack of oversight at the anchorage port and demanded a comprehensive investigation into the matter. He expressed concerns over the district administration and Kakinada Port Authority’s inability to prevent such activities, emphasizing that strict measures must be taken against those involved.
Drawing parallels to national security risks, Kalyan wrote, “Today it’s PDS rice smuggling; tomorrow, it could be explosives or RDX. Criminals won’t stop at rice smuggling. The erstwhile East Godavari district houses critical installations like ONGC and KG Basin. In the interest of national security, stringent measures will be implemented.”
A few days prior, under the supervision of Kakinada District Collector Shan Mohan, officials intercepted the ship Stella L Panama nine nautical miles off the coast, carrying 640 tons of rice for illegal transport. Kalyan visited the site to inspect the seized shipment. Additionally, efforts led by Civil Supplies Corporation Chairman Thota Sudhir recently prevented similar smuggling attempts, securing shipments at the port.
Expressing serious displeasure, Kalyan questioned how large-scale rice smuggling could occur undetected at Kakinada Port. He asserted that illegal activities are curbed only when public representatives intervene and called for greater accountability among officials.
Kalyan reiterated that no one is above the law and issued stern directives for immediate and stringent action against those responsible for illegal transportation of ration rice.
