Maha man arrested for siphoning off PDS rice, wheat

A man was arrested in Yavatmal in Maharashtra for allegedly siphoning off rice and wheat meant for distribution in ration shops in the area, a police official said today.

Sheikh Rahim Sheikh Karim (40) was nabbed yesterday and a raid on his godown in the MIDC area of Kalamb in the district yielded 205 quintals of rice worth Rs 3.5 lakh and one quintal of wheat, said Crime Branch Assistant Inspector Santosh Manwar.

He informed that the rice bags had "Government of Haryana" markings on them and was meant to be distributed through fair price shops under the public distribution system.

"We have arrested him under relevant sections of the Essential Commodities Act and Kalamb police are investigating further as to how the accused managed to pilfer the rice and wheat," said Manwar.

The API informed that the accused is a history sheeter with over 50 cases registered against his name and was currently living in neighbouring Wardha district after being externed from Yavatmal.