By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Police on Friday seized a huge quantity of rice and sugar allegedly meant for distribution under the PDS from the godown of two city-based businessmen — Nitesh Agarwal and Nand Kishore Agarwal — at Iew Mawlong after permission from the court.
A senior police official informed that 367 sacks of rice and 35 sacks of sugar were seized by the police from the godown.
“We strongly suspect that the rice and sugar meant for distribution under the PDS,” the police official said.
The official also informed that the four persons arrested earlier in connection with the case have made some remarkable confession during the course of their interrogation.
“But it would be too premature to divulge any details now. I can only say that this is a big racket,” the official said, adding that more people are involved in the entire racket.
A senior police official informed that former Laitumkhrah area wholesaler Western Nonghuloo who was also arrested in this case is the main kingpin behind the racket.
“We are hoping to get more vital inputs from the present wholesaler of Laitumkhrah area L Surong who will be interrogated on Saturday,” the official said.
Meanwhile, East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner (Supply) Jopthiaw Lyngdoh informed that the magisterial inquiry headed by magistrate M Diengdoh is on the job to unearth the details of the racket.
“I am expecting to receive the report at the earliest,” Lyngdoh said.
It may be mentioned that on Monday, the Special Weapons And Tactics (SWAT) team of the state police had seized 180 sacks of PDS rice which were being unloaded from a truck at Iew Mawlong near the Anjalee parking lot.
The PDS rice were to be unloaded at Laitumkhrah for distribution to the beneficiaries but was instead diverted to Iew Mawlong.