Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan recently visited Kakinada Port to investigate allegations of illegal rice smuggling. During his inspection, he examined 1,064 tons of rice sacks loaded onto a barge, reportedly meant for unauthorized export to West African countries. State Minister for Civil Supplies Nadendla Manohar briefed him on the ongoing issue of ration rice being illegally transported from the port.
Concerns Over Lack of Accountability
Expressing his concerns on X, Kalyan posted, “I came to Kakinada port to check the illegal smuggling of PDS rice. A scam which became rampant in the last regime and it’s still continuing. This port looks like free for all. No accountability.” He further questioned the lack of supervision, writing, “From the anchorage port… there is no supervision. How are the district administration and Kakinada Port Authority allowing this to happen? This requires a thorough probe.”
Recent Seizures and Inspections
Kalyan’s visit followed a recent operation under Kakinada District Collector Shan Mohan, where officials intercepted a ship, Stella L Panama, nine nautical miles off the coast. The vessel carried 640 tons of rice ready for transport. Kalyan inspected the seized shipment and also reviewed measures taken by officials under the leadership of Civil Supplies Corporation Chairman Thota Sudhir. These actions had halted other illegal rice shipments and secured the goods at the port.
Call for Strict Action
Kalyan voiced serious displeasure over how large-scale smuggling could occur undetected at a critical location like Kakinada Port. He criticized the officials, stating that such activities are addressed only when public representatives intervene. He called for strict accountability and immediate action against those involved.
Kalyan issued strong directives, demanding stringent measures to prevent illegal transportation of ration rice. He warned that unchecked smuggling could lead to more dangerous activities. “Today it’s PDS rice smuggling and tomorrow it can be import of explosives or RDX. Will criminals stop with rice smuggling? We have a precedent of Mumbai blasts and terrorist attacks. And erstwhile East Godavari district has all key installations like ONGC and KG Basin; so, in the interest of Nation, we will take stringent measures,” he wrote.
Officials Under Scrutiny
During his visit, Kalyan confronted district and port officials, questioning their failure to detect and prevent the smuggling operations. He demanded explanations for the lapses in security and accountability at the port, emphasizing that no one involved in such illegal activities would be spared.