Mysore/Mysuru: In a joint operation, the Food and Civil Supplies Department officials and the Police have taken three persons into custody after they were found transporting PDS rice illegally in an auto on Sunday.

A total of 11.43 quintal PDS rice, which was purchased from the public and the auto used for the transportation has been seized.

Those taken into custody are 34-year-old Fayaz Pasha of B.M. Sri Nagar, 38-year-old Siddiq Pasha of Sathagalli and 24-year-old Mubarak Pasha of Kalyangiri in city.

Following a tip off, Food Inspector C.A. Manjunath, Mysuru South Police Sub-Inspector Shanthalingaiah, Rammanahalli Sub Police Station staff Imranuddin and Raghavendra, stopped a passenger auto at Bhugathahalli Gate, which was coming from Hanchya village side and inspected the auto during which they found 19 bags of PDS rice.

When the Food Department officials and the Police questioned the three, they are said to have told them that they had purchased the rice from the residents of Belavatta and were transporting the rice to Bannur.

A case has been registered at Mysuru South Police Station and legal action has been initiated.