MADURAI: District authorities have ordered a laboratory examination of rice samples following allegations that ration rice meant for the Public Distribution System (PDS) was distributed during a welfare assistance programme organised by the TVK in Madurai.
The issue surfaced after petitioner A Sivaji submitted a complaint alleging that a welfare assistance distribution programme held on June 25 at Vilangudi First Ward in the Madurai West Assembly constituency, to mark Chief Minister Vijay’s birthday and the induction of members from other political parties into TVK, involved the distribution of ration rice.
According to the petition, around five tonnes of rice were distributed to 1,000 beneficiaries, with each person receiving a 5 kg bag carrying Vijay’s photograph. The welfare assistance was distributed by S R Thangapandi, MLA for Madurai West.
The petitioner alleged that after opening the bags, several beneficiaries claimed the rice resembled ration rice and accused the organisers of passing it off as welfare assistance. Videos making similar allegations later surfaced on social media.
Sivaji stated that he had earlier submitted an online complaint to the Madurai City Police Commissioner’s office but alleged that no action was taken. He urged district collector M S Nishanth Krishna to investigate how the alleged ration rice had been procured and to initiate action against those responsible.
During the grievance redressal meeting, Sivaji, accompanied by several BJP members, submitted another petition before district officials. The complainants also produced rice bags distributed at the event and requested officials to inspect the contents on the spot.
Following the complaint, District Revenue Officer K Anbalagan directed officials of the Public Distribution System to conduct an immediate inquiry to ascertain whether the rice was sourced from the ration supply.
He also ordered that samples be sent for laboratory analysis under the supervision of the Joint Registrar and instructed officials to submit a detailed inspection report.
