Two PDS rice laden trucks detained

Chandbali: Two trucks transporting around 600 bags of rice meant for distribution under Public Distribution System were detained by police here in Bhadrak district today. The rice was allegedly being smuggled to Kendrapara from Bhadrak.

Driver of one of the vehicles has been detained while another is absconding.

Locals traced the lorries transporting huge quantities of rice near Baitarani bridge and intercepted them. They informed the police who rushed to the spot and asked the driver to show documents.

The driver failed to show necessary documents related to the PDS item. "My owner can only explain details about the rice. I don't know anything about it," driver Raju Mallick said.

"We have detained the trucks laden with rice. We will verify the documents and also inform the Supplies officials. We can explain whether the PDS items are smuggled after examining documents," Chandbali police ASI Sashikant Pati said.