Four trucks smuggling subsidised wheat seized

Navi Mumbai police on Friday seized four trucks loaded with wheat at the Vashi toll naka. The seizure was made after Shiv Sena workers stopped the trucks that were on their way out of Mumbai and alleged that they were being transported illegally.

Navi Mumbai police on Friday seized four trucks loaded with wheat at the Vashi toll naka. The seizure was made after Shiv Sena workers stopped the trucks that were on their way out of Mumbai and alleged that they were being transported illegally.

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The Sena workers claimed that 16 trucks managed to evade seizure.

“The wheat had been stocked at the Food Corporation of India godown at Reay Road for distribution to the poor at cheaper rates,” said Kiran Thosar, a Sena Shakha Pramukh, Vashi.

He added, “Our shakha pramukh, Jagdish Vaikar learnt that this distribution was not done. It was going to be sold to private parties at higher rates.”

“Twenty trucks carrying wheat arrived on Friday and we tried stopping them. While 16 got away, we managed to get four and informed the police,” said Thosar.

“Following the information that the trucks would be transporting wheat, we set a trap and seized four trucks and arrested eight persons,” said Assistant Commissioner of Police Mujeeb Shaikh.

“The wheat meant for rationing shops was being taken to Khopoli for sale to companies making biscuits and flour.”

Police say they have the details of other trucks and are investigating the case further.