BALLARI
In a successful operation, the Kurugodu Police intercepted a major smuggling racket and seized illegally transported Public Distribution System ration rice worth over 5.52 lakh rupees.
Acting on specific and reliable intelligence, a dedicated police team launched a surprise raid near Badanahatti village in the Kurugodu taluk. Officers caught the operators red-handed as hired workers were actively loading large quantities of government-subsidized ration rice into a heavy-duty transport lorry.
Local investigators revealed that the suspects had been systematically collecting and hoarding the ration rice in a hidden layout located near Badanahatti village. Once a massive stock was accumulated, they attempted to covertly move the grains out of the district via the truck. Alongside the valuable cargo, law enforcement officials promptly seized the transport lorry used in the crime to prevent further illicit operations.
Following the raid, the police department registered a formal criminal case against two primary accused illegal rice traders, identified as Yarriswamy and Umashankar. While the contraband and transport vehicle remain in secure police custody, both suspects managed to evade immediate arrest during the chaotic raid.
Senior police officials confirmed that special teams have already laid strategic traps and launched an intense manhunt across the district to track down and apprehend the fleeing traders. Authorities have reassured the public that strict monitoring will continue to protect subsidized food resources intended for underprivileged families.
