Locals in Nuapada demand probe into plastic rice sale

Nuapada: Following reports of fake rice sale in different parts of the country, residents of Taraboda village in Nuapada district demand probe into alleged ‘plastic rice’ samples found in their locality.

Villager Laba Jagata initially noticed his children fell ill and complained of stomach ache and indigestion after consuming rice cooked from the two packets he bought from a nearby kirana store.

Jagata said, “Out of curiosity, I made a ball of the cooked rice and threw at the floor. To my surprise, the rice ball bounced back like a ball made of rubber.”

Acknowledging that he received a complaint on fake rice sale, Komna block Civil Supplies Officer Brahmadatta Kisan said, “We will examine the samples and submit a report after inquiry. Though news on fake rice sale has been doing rounds on social media since few days, this is the first such case in the district.”

In neighbouring State West Bengal, several residents of Jalpaiguri alleged they found stock of plastic rice kept in a home. Similarly, fake sugar was discovered in Karnataka’s Hassan.

Eyebrows are being raised on the supply of cereals to the general public following frequent occurrence of availability of adulterated food grains in the country.

Meanwhile, OUAT vice chancellor Surendranath Pasupalak rubbished the availability of fake rice in Nuapada district as a rumour.

“Claims of plastic rice are rumours. Even our Hyderabad counterparts have refused similar claims. If there are any samples that people are worried about as plastic rice, we are ready to test them if sent to us,” said Pashupalak.