Mysuru: A passenger autorickshaw, which was transporting PDS rice purchased illegally from beneficiaries has been seized and the auto driver has been taken into custody.

Following information that PDS rice was being purchased illegally from the beneficiaries and transported in a passenger auto at Hebbal 2nd Stage, Food Inspector B.S. Venugopal and staff, rushed to spot and found a passenger auto (KL-13-AH-9562) transporting sacks of PDS rice on the 4th Cross in Hebbal 2nd Stage.

When the auto driver was questioned, he is said to have told that the PDS rice was being purchased at a lower price and sold at higher price to hotels following which the auto, 6.32 quintal of PDS rice in 12 sacks and an electronic weighing machine were seized.

The Food Inspector, seeking legal action against those involved in this illegal trade has lodged a complaint at Hebbal Police Station following which a case against 12 persons including the auto driver was registered by the Police.