SIT formed to probe PDS rice smuggling

The State government has formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the illegal export of PDS rice in Andhra Pradesh.
Chief Secretary Neerabh Kumar Prasad issued Government Order (GO) Rt No 2103 on Friday to investigate cases registered in Kakinada district and other related offences.
The Chief Secretary informed the DGP about the growing concern over illegal PDS rice exports in the State, stressing the need for a focused investigation to take strict legal action against the culprits. The DGP was directed to form an SIT to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the matter.
The investigation follows numerous complaints from beneficiaries, civil society groups, and public representatives regarding the organised smuggling of PDS rice to foreign countries. The government has observed that the smuggling network operates efficiently, exploiting the very systems meant to ensure food security for vulnerable populations.
The SIT will be authorised to call for information and assistance from any government department during the investigation. All departments are required to cooperate with the SIT and provide any relevant information or technical support. The SIT will have full investigative powers under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) 2023, including search, seizure, and examination of witnesses and documents, along with the power to arrest and detain accused persons as per applicable laws.
The SIT will submit progress reports every fortnight to the government, and the DGP will take necessary action based on these reports.