Kakinada, November 30, 2024: Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan’s surprise visit to Kakinada Port has sparked widespread attention. During the inspection, Kalyan exposed a significant smuggling racket involving 640 metric tons of Public Distribution System (PDS) rice. This consignment, part of a larger shipment of 38,000 metric tons aboard the cargo ship Stella L Panama, was intended for illegal export to West Africa.
The Deputy Chief Minister took decisive action by ordering the seizure of the ship and calling for an immediate, thorough investigation into the smuggling network. He identified a nexus of 16 exporters allegedly responsible for diverting PDS rice, which is distributed free of cost to beneficiaries in Andhra Pradesh. Reports revealed that the subsidized rice was being sold for ₹73 per kilogram in African markets, exposing the scale and profitability of the operation.
Kalyan voiced serious concerns about the economic and national security implications of such illegal activities. He demanded accountability from local authorities and port officials for failing to prevent the malpractice. Moreover, he proposed discussing the issue in the state cabinet and urged a high-level inquiry, potentially involving the Crime Investigation Department (CID), to dismantle the smuggling network.
This incident has further enhanced Pawan Kalyan’s reputation as a strong advocate against corruption and malpractice. His proactive measures and strong stance on the issue have resonated widely, with his Kakinada port visit trending prominently across social media and news platforms.
