Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan conducted a detailed inspection at Kakinada Port uncovering alleged widespread illegal transportation of Public Distribution System (PDS) rice on Friday. Calling it a “well-organised mafia operation,” the Deputy CM warned of grave consequences for national security if immediate action is not taken.
Highlighting the scale of the issue, Pawan Kalyan stated, “Kakinada Port has become a center for smuggling PDS rice. Around 1000 to 1100 trucks arrive daily at the port, making it a critical hub for rice exports. The mafia has taken advantage of the port’s infrastructure to smuggle ration rice to foreign countries, primarily African nations.”
“Despite the port’s significance, it has only 16 security personnel. With over 1,000 trucks entering daily, proper inspections are impossible. The lack of adequate security is alarming, raising concerns about both illegal activities and national security,” he said.