PDS Ration Black Market Uncovered in Ater; Shop and Residence Sealed
Black market of PDS ration exposed in Niwari village, Ater. Administration seals shop and residence after seizing food grains.
भिण्ड | दीपेंद्र बौहरे
Ration Black Market Disclosed in Ater, Administration Seals Shop and Residence
BHIND DISTRICT | October 25, 2026 | A case of black marketing of rations allocated under the Public Distribution System (PDS) has come to light in Niwari village, Ater development block, Bhind district. Collector Pawan Kumar Jain received a complaint on the evening of October 24, 2026, stating that Manoj Baghel, an assistant to Cooperative Society Secretary Virendra Yadav, had unloaded PDS truck rations at his residence.
Wheat and Anganwadi Supplies Seized in Surprise Inspection
Following the tip-off, the Collector immediately directed SDM Ater Vinod Singh to investigate the matter. A team led by SDM Vinod Singh conducted a surprise inspection of Manoj Kumar Baghel's residence in Baghelan Ka Pura, Niwari village, on the morning of October 25, 2026, around 11:30 AM. During the inspection, nine sacks of wheat from the Madhya Pradesh Civil Supplies Corporation were recovered from water tanks and the living room.
Additionally, two packed sacks of 'atta-besan laddu premix' and 'gehu soya barfi premix,' meant for distribution to Anganwadi centers, were also seized. The site also yielded thirteen sacks of millet, two sacks of mustard, and some empty sacks. Following the recovery of these materials, the concerned room was immediately sealed by the administration.
Ration Sacks Found at Fair Price Shop; Premises Sealed
The investigation team then inspected the fair price shop in Niwari village around 12:30 PM. This shop was operating from the private residence of Ramnaresh Sharma. Forty-four sacks of rice and one hundred and seventy-two sacks of wheat were found in the godown. During interrogation, assistant Manoj Baghel admitted that the ration consignment was unloaded on October 24.
In light of the irregularities, the administration has also sealed the fair price shop.
Legal Proceedings Initiated, Public Cooperation Sought
The administration has initiated stringent legal action against the culprits under the Public Distribution System Control Order and the Essential Commodities Act. The administration has appealed to the public to immediately report any discrepancies or black marketing related to PDS rations to the concerned authorities, ensuring swift action in such cases.