Mysore/Mysuru: Following reports on sale of Public Distribution System (PDS) grains by Ration Card holders to black marketers, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Dr. K.V. Rajendra has warned that buying and selling of PDS grains is a punishable offence and the Ration Cards of those who sell PDS grains to others will be cancelled.

In a press release, the DC stated that reports were published in media about PDS food grains given by the Government every month through Fair Price Shops were being sold to black marketers and cases have been filed against the purchasers of PDS items under Essential Commodities Act 1955. Also, selling PDS items in black market is a punishable offense and legal action under the Karnataka Government Directive-1977 will be taken against such Ration Card holders who sell the PDS grains. He clarified that Ration Cards of those selling the PDS grains will be cancelled without prior notice.

It is alleged that some influential persons are purchasing, PDS rice and ragi from Ration Card holders at lower prices and later get the grains polished to cheat the public by selling them at higher prices.

The release further stated that there is a racket involving influential persons, who through poor traders and minors, collect PDS rice and ragi from the Ration Card holders and store them. They later get the grains polished, pack them in bags of various companies and sell the same at higher price.  Public had complained that the PDS grains are being mixed with grains of other companies and sell the same to public thus cheating them.

FIR registered against three persons: Following a video of public questioning those visiting door to door to purchase PDS grains at Yaraganahalli in MCC Ward No. 35 went viral on social media, officials of the Food & Civil Supplies Department, conducted investigation and filed a complaint with Alanahalli Police, who registered FIR against 3 persons.