On Sunday, August 3, 2025, Authorities in Madhya Pradesh’s Barwani district seized a substantial quantity of Public Distribution System (PDS) wheat and rice, valued at approximately ₹19 lakh, during a raid conducted. The operation took place in Khetia town, which comes under the Pansemal subdivision, and was carried out at the premises of two ginning factories—Shrinath Ginning and Khyaati Ginning.
Furthermore, Barwani Collector Kajal Jawla confirmed the seizure and stated that the action followed a tip-off received by the administration. Acting swiftly on the information, a team consisting of Pansemal SDM Ramesh Sisodia, the local tehsildar, and a junior supply officer reached the factory locations for verification. Inspecting the location, the team found nearly 700 quintals of wheat and 15 quintals of rice stored at the premises.
In addition, Initial findings indicate that the food grains were part of the subsidised stock meant for distribution under the Public Distribution System(PDS). Given the suspicion of illegal procurement and storage, officials moved forward with the immediate seizure of the material. Particularly, the total market value of the confiscated wheat and rice is estimated at ₹18.80 lakh.
Besides that, further investigation revealed that the proprietor of the ginning units, identified as Mukesh Jogi Lal Jain, had allegedly violated clause 13(2) of the Madhya Pradesh Public Distribution System Control Order, 2015. This constitutes a punishable offence under Section 3/7 of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955. Legal proceedings have been initiated against him. Eventually, DM Ramesh Sisodia stated that a detailed inquiry is currently underway to identify the source of the seized PDS food grains. Notably, Authorities are working to uncover how the subsidised material meant for low-income families entered the commercial supply chain, and whether other parties are involved in the irregularities.