Civil Supplies Minister Nadendla Manohar has accused the ration mafia in Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh, of widespread corruption. He alleged that during the previous government’s tenure, there was extensive embezzlement involving the export of ration rice worth thousands of crores from Kakinada port to foreign countries. Manohar conducted a review meeting with senior civil supplies department officials for the second consecutive day on Saturday, where he criticized certain officials for aiding in these illegal activities. He emphasized that a CID investigation would be initiated into these irregularities, and strict actions would follow against those found responsible. Recently, 7615 metric tonnes of ration rice were confiscated in Kakinada, which was being illegally exported.
He also revealed that illegal activities continued even during his recent visit, highlighting the brazenness of the racketeers. Previously, on Friday, he had convened a meeting at the collector’s office, where he accused the previous YSRCP government of borrowing excessively through the Civil Supplies Corporation and failing to pay Rs 1,600 crore in dues to farmers. He announced plans to reform the paddy procurement process to benefit tenant farmers, underscoring the government’s commitment to addressing these issues.