A large quantity of smuggled paddy was seized in the state close on the heels of Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel directing the officials to monitor the illegal sale and procurement of paddy in the state ahead of commencement of paddy procurement by the government from December 1. The illegal consignments were seized at Bemetara and Sukma. Sukma Collector Chandan Kumar, himself was seen checking the vehicles during evening hours as per reports. A Tehsildhar- led team seized two trucks carrying 173 quintal and 250 quintal of paddy respectively brought from Malkangiri (Odisha) through the bordering area of Kokarpal of Sukma district.
Similarly, on Saturday, the team of officials led by Sub Divisional Magistrate, Bemetara Jagganath Verma seized 81 quintal of paddy worth Rs 1.41 lakh. The vehicle Swaraj Mazda was being driven by driver Gulabh Singh Rajput. The seized paddy and vehicle have been handed over to Bemetara police station.
Bemetara Collector Shikha Rajpput Tiwari said that continuous monitoring of illegal sale and transportation through middlemen is being done. The seizure was part of regular monitoring by different teams.
