14 rice millers arrested for misusing fine variety of rice in Telangana

The Telangana Crime Investigation Department (CID) has arrested 14 rice millers after registering three cases of misuse of paddy rice of fine variety (Sanna Rakam) and adulteration of rice supplied by Food Corporation of India (FCI) during the 2025-26 Kharif season.

The inquiry was initiated on a complaint dated October 24 by the General Manager (Procurement) of Telangana Civil Supplies Corporation. According to the CID, some millers allegedly diverted paddy Sanna Rakam to the open market and instead supplied cheaper rough rice, including rice allegedly originating from outside Telangana.

During Kharif 2025-2026, the government has purchased 71.86 million tonnes of paddy against a target of 59.60 million tonnes of rice for supply to FCI.

Inspections by enforcement teams and task forces, followed by laboratory analysis, reportedly found that the rice samples supplied in the investigated cases did not match the Sanna Rakam variety specified in the rations. The alleged compensation raised concerns of violation of the milled rice agreement and financial loss to the government, the CID said in a statement.

In Nizamabad, Karimnagar and Mulugu districts, 16 rice mills reportedly supplied 3,385,820 metric tonnes of Coarse variety (Doddu Rakam) rice against Sanna Rakam allocations. The estimated loss related to bonuses from these supplies was around ₹1.69 crore.

The CID said an additional 45,414,833 metric tonnes has been allocated for the conversion, which includes potential bonus financial implications of around ₹242 crore. However, early intervention by civil supply authorities and stop orders prevented further potential losses, according to the department.

The investigation is now focused on finding out the alleged misuse and confusion of rice varieties, the role of millers, how allocations and conversion requests were processed and the actual financial loss. The CID also examines whether officials or other persons were involved and whether the evidence supports allegations of criminal conspiracy or other crimes. Further investigation is underway.

Published – 25 Oct 2026 18:57 IST