Awantipora: In a decisive crackdown on black-marketing and fraudulent trade practices, police in Awantipora uncovered an illegal operation involving the rebranding of government-supplied rice meant for public distribution. The accused, identified as Fayaz Ahmad Dar of Shaltokuna Awantipora, was arrested during the raid, while a vehicle loaded with the contraband was seized on the spot.
Officials said that the operation was launched after credible information reached Police Station Awantipora regarding suspicious activity in Shaltokuna village. Acting swiftly, a team led by Inspector Ajaz Hmad and Inspector Bilal Ahmad conducted a raid at the identified location. During the operation, a Tata Mobile vehicle bearing registration number JK06-5469 was intercepted. Upon inspection, the vehicle was found loaded with government-issued rice illegally repackaged into apple-branded bags.
Police sources revealed that a total of 80 rice bags had been deceptively repacked in fruit-branded packaging to disguise their original source, while another 37 bags of rice and related incriminating material were recovered. In all, 117 rice bags were seized from the spot.
The arrested individual, had allegedly been involved in diverting food grains supplied under the public distribution system and repackaging them for illegal sale in the open market. Police said his motive appeared to be profiteering by passing off subsidized rice as privately marketed grain.
A case has been registered at Police Station Awantipora under FIR number 207/2025 for offences punishable under sections 318(4) and 316(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Officials confirmed that further investigation is underway to trace the supply chain and identify whether more individuals or networks are involved in the fraudulent racket.
A senior police officer said that the arrest should serve as a stern warning to those attempting to misuse government supplies meant for the welfare of common people. “Rice, wheat, sugar and other essential commodities are supplied under the public distribution system to ensure food security for economically weaker sections of society. Any attempt to rebrand and divert these supplies amounts to exploitation of the poor and will be dealt with firmly,” the officer said. [KNT]
