Vijayawada: The police in NTR district invoked the Preventive Detention (PD) Act against an alleged ration rice smuggling kingpin accused of repeatedly diverting subsidised food grains meant for the public distribution system. Police said Kaja Satyanarayana (50), a resident of Jayanthi village, was involved in large-scale illegal transportation and diversion of ration rice for several years. Based on a proposal sent by S V Rajasekhara Babu, district authorities issued orders on March 7 to detain him under the PD Act.
According to police, Satyanarayana allegedly procured ration rice from beneficiaries and some fair price shop dealers in areas under the Nandigama and Mylavaram divisions. The rice was then transported illegally to other states for profit. Investigators said he mainly operated in villages such as Veerulapadu and Kanchikacherla, using local agents to facilitate the trade.
Police records show that Satyanarayana was involved in smuggling activities since 2011 and accumulated 41 criminal cases across several districts, including East Godavari district and West Godavari district. A rowdy sheet was also opened against him in the Nandigama sub-division.
In one recent incident on March 1, 2026, officials attempted to seize a vehicle carrying ration rice on Jujjuru Road near Kanchikacherla. Police said Satyanarayana and his associates allegedly intercepted the officials, abused them, and fled with the vehicle and the rice.
The following day, revenue officials raided a shed in Jayanthi village and seized 147.5 quintals of ration rice and 8 vehicles, registering another case at Veerulapadu Police Station.
Police said the accused's activities were affecting the public distribution system and depriving beneficiaries of subsidised food grains. After his arrest, Satyanarayana was detained under the PD Act and shifted to Rajahmundry Central Jail. Officials warned that strict action would continue against those involved in illegal diversion of ration supplies. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with
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Venu Lanka is a special correspondent, at The Times of India-Vija...
Read MoreVenu Lanka is a special correspondent, at The Times of India-Vijayawada. He covers developments related to VMC/APCRDA, Janasena, education, health, endowments, and agriculture-related stories. He holds two graduate degrees, one in business management and another in law. He completed his post-graduation in journalism and mass communication, apart from completing short-term courses.
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