Telangana officials uncover rice sale violations and hoarding in Hyderabad
The Civil Supplies Department registered 11 FIRs against 18 trading entities following raids in Hyderabad and Ranga Reddy districts.
The Telangana Civil Supplies Department uncovered violations in rice sales and hoarding in Hyderabad and Ranga Reddy districts between October 29 and 31, according to The Hindu and The Pioneer.
Surprise inspections were conducted by the Enforcement Task Force (ETF) and the Legal Metrology Department. Officials found traders allegedly selling 25 kg rice bags with labels indicating 26 kg and pasting inflated price stickers over original manufacturer rates.
The raids also revealed the illegal diversion and hoarding of Public Distribution System (PDS) rice. Some traders were reportedly operating without mandatory Trade, GST, Labour, or FSSAI licences.
The department registered 11 FIRs against 18 trading entities at Saroornagar, Jeedimetla, and Alwal police stations. The accused traders face prosecution under the Essential Commodities Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which include provisions for up to seven years of imprisonment.
On October 31, the State government announced a ceiling on the maximum retail price (MRP) for three fine rice varieties in urban limits. In Hyderabad and Medchal, the price for BPT/KNM variety was fixed at ₹66 per kg, RNR/Telangana Sona at ₹74 per kg, and HMT/JSR variety at ₹79 per kg.
The department stated that vigilance will continue to prevent consumer exploitation and ensure fair distribution of essential commodities.