KAKINADA: Following the seizure of 640 tonnes of PDS (Public Distribution System) rice, Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan raised serious concerns over the national security.
During his visit to Kakinada Anchorage Port on Friday, he told mediapersons that a powerful mafia was involved in exploiting the port and smuggling PDS rice. Warning that such activities could jeopardise national security, he noted that the smuggling network could pave way for terrorists to infiltrate and transport explosives.
Accompanied by Civil Supplies Minister Nadendla Manohar, Kakinada Urban MLA Vanamadi Kondababu, and Civil Supplies Corporation Chairman Thota Sudheer, Pawan Kalyan inspected the vessel, Stella L Panama, where the seized rice was stored.
He stressed the importance of holding the culprits accountable, ensuring that the port operates as a legitimate export hub rather than a smuggling base. He criticised officials for their leniency, pointing out that political pressure is resulting in lack of action.
He flagged the lack of security, with only 16 personnel managing arrival of over 1,000 trucks at the port daily, allowing unchecked smuggling and raising concerns about the potential infiltration of explosives or drugs.
Pawan directed local representatives to focus on these issues and instructed officials to “seize the ship” and identify individuals behind the smuggling operations. He pledged to write to the Union Home Ministry to address the security lapse and punish those responsible.
Will discuss whether to involve CBI or CID to nab kingpins of racket: PK
He asserted the need for a comprehensive security overhaul at the port and called for action against mafia involved including registering cases against boat owners.
Drawing parallels between smuggling of PDS rice, and 26/11 Mumbai attack and seizure of narcotics off the Visakhapatnam coast, he said, “This is not just about illegal rice smuggling, it’s about protecting the country’s security.”
Highlighting the mafia’s deep-rooted influence, he revealed plans to recommend a high-level investigation.
“We will discuss in the cabinet whether to involve the CBI or CID to unearth the masterminds behind this racket,” he said.
The Deputy CM criticised the negligence of port authorities and called for transparent export procedures to prevent illegal activities. He instructed police to take action against those involved and suggested invoking the PD Act against repeat offenders.
Pawan questioned port officials about those involved in this racket. It was revealed that the firm behind the operation, Manasa Quality Enterprises, has ties to the brother of former Kakinada City MLA Dwarampudi Chandrasekhar Reddy. He accused the mafia of exploiting the port system with the involvement of about 16 firms.
He criticised the diversion of subsidised ration rice, meant for the poor, to African countries where it is sold for over Rs 72 per kg, resulting in significant losses to the State government. “If the government directly exports rice to African nations at subsidised rates, it would enhance India’s global reputation while safeguarding public funds,” he pointed out.
He lashed out at certain officials and leaders of obstructing his inspection.
Kakinada Civil Supplies Officer replaced
Kakinada DCSO (District Civil Supplies Officer) Prasad was asked to report to Civil Supplies Commissionerate for giving inconsistent answers to Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan’s queries regarding smuggling of PDS rice. In his stead, ACSO Lakhsmi Devi was appointed as in-charge DCSO. Orders to this effect were issued