80 Bags of PDS Rice Seized in Agartala, Fresh Allegations of Large-Scale Diversion in Tripura's Public Distribution System
By Our Correspondent
Agartala, June 5, 2026
Fresh allegations of large-scale irregularities and diversion of subsidized ration commodities have surfaced in Tripura's Public Distribution System (PDS) following the seizure of 80 bags of government-supplied rice from a private residence in Agartala.
According to allegations raised by local residents and concerned citizens, ration commodities meant for poor beneficiaries are often not being distributed properly through fair price shops. Instead, a section of ration dealers, allegedly in collusion with certain officials of the Food Department, is diverting food grains and other essential commodities to the open market for illegal profit.
Critics claim that those responsible for monitoring the distribution system have themselves become part of the alleged malpractice, resulting in genuine ration card holders being deprived of their entitled food supplies. Serious concerns have also been expressed over the alleged implementation of an unofficial restriction under the "One Nation, One Ration Card" scheme, whereby beneficiaries from one area are reportedly being denied ration from fair price shops located in other areas. Such a practice, would be contrary to the spirit of the Central Government's flagship portability scheme.
The latest controversy emerged after west Tripura district magistrate authorities conducted a raid based on a specific intelligence input.
On Thursday, West Tripura District Magistrate Dr. Vishal Kumar reportedly received confidential information indicating that a large quantity of ration rice was being illegally stored at the residence of one Sajal Das in Anandanagar Ward No. 9 under Sadar subdivision.
The District Magistrate immediately informed Sadar Sub-Divisional Magistrate Manik Lal Das, who ordered a prompt investigation.
Acting on the instructions, DCM Sanjit Debbarma, Food Department officials and a police team from Srinagar Police Station conducted a raid at the residence of Sajal Das on Thursday evening.
4,000 Kilograms of Ration Rice Recovered
During the operation, officials recovered 80 bags containing approximately 4,000 kilograms of ration rice from multiple rooms of the house.
Officials were reportedly astonished by the huge stockpile of governmentsupplied rice found inside the residential premises. At the time of the raid, Sajal Das was not present at the location.
According to officials, Sajal Das's wife informed the raiding team that the rice had been procured from trader Nikhil Saha of Maharajganj market in Agartala. However, authorities have not yet verified the claim.
The entire stock of rice was seized by the authorities and transported to the Food Department's warehouse at AD Nagar.
Speaking to journalists, DCM Sanjit Debbarma stated that officials are investigating how and from where such a large quantity of ration rice reached the residence. He confirmed that the administration would register a case against Sajal Das for allegedly storing ration commodities illegally.
Authorities are now trying to trace the source of the seized rice and identify whether any ration dealers or officials were involved in the alleged diversion.
more news...