Imphal, February 12 2009: FCS Ministei Y Erabol today stopped six trucks from unloading 900 quintal of Super fine Grade-A rice that had been transported from FCI godown, Sangaiprou on the sly at a private godown in Mantripukhri area.

The attempt to siphon off the rice meant for the people has come about even as the State has been facing scarcity of food grain.

According to information received by the press, the six trucks that had been loaded with 900 quintal of Super fine Gradc-A rice from different shed's of FCI godown after being signed by three store keepers were trying to unload the contain on the sly at a private godown in Mantripukhri area when the Minister intercepted them personally.

The registration numbers of the intercepted trucks, ihcir drivers and owners are Tata MN04/8213 driven by Th Anand (30) s/o late Ningthemjao of Ngaikhong Khullen and owned by K Iboyaima of Sagolband Lukram Leirak.

Tata MN 05 2757 driven by L Noren of Khoyathong Polem Leikai, Tata MN 05 2435 driven by H Dinachand of Andro Khuman and owned by A Arunkumar of Heirangoithong, MN 01 6317 driven by Tl.amba of Kwakeithel Haorokphambi and owned by Th Shantibala Devi of Keithemthong Bazar.

Tata MN 01 4331 driven by one S Rosan of Tera Lukram Leirak and owned by Kh Achou of Singjamei Thongam Leikai and Tata MN 04A 0055 whose driver managed to escape.

These six trucks havc loaded by rice from the FCI godown shed nos.3/4, 5/6, 7/6 and 1/2 after duly signed by four store keepers.

All these trucks are local and are not in the service of lifting rice from Dimapur. The private godown in question in which the six trucks were trying to unload the rice belongs to one Manglem of Mayang Imphal but being hired out to one Kebol Bipin of Thangal Bazar.

Along with the interception of the trucks, the Mmister also seized around 600 quintal of rice which was found being kept at the private godown by one Ramnalh of Thangal Bazar talking to mediapersons at the occasion.

Franot informed that he managed in intercept the trucks on receivjng specific information at around 3:20 pm today that rice taken from FCI down were being un loaded at private godown located just opposite to the CRPF post.

The Minister said that he was returning home from office when the information was received.

Stating that each of the intercepted truck was carrying around 150 quintal of rice.

The Minister assured that the seized rice and the trucks would be kept at the custody of the FCI godown at Sangaiprou and the private godown of Manglcm would be scaled.

The Minister, however, added that the identity of rice agents and the district quotas mean for have not been able to be ascertained.

The Minister explained that the rice quota of the State are being lifted by the transporters from FCI godown at Dimapur and deposited at the FCI godown at Sangaiprou and after depositing the required amount by FCS.

the quotas are taken out from the FCI godown for distribution to the public.

The Minister further said that no room should be given for diversion of the rice and it should not be kept at any private godown without the approval of the FCS Department.

The seized rice would not be handed over to the police and the Departmental inquiry would be conducted, the Minister informed.

On the other hand, Food Storage Depot Manager of FCI has disclosed that the six tucks had transported the rice officially from FCI godown after being signed by three store keepers.

The three store keepers have been identified as S Iboyaima.

M Jugeshore and Bhumeshore Sharma.

Whether the rice transported from FCI godown reaches FCS or not is the responsibility of FCS and not of the FCI any more, the Depot Manager added.

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