26 Arrested in Hubballi for Illegally Storing and Distributing Food Meant for Anganwadi Children

Hubballi: The Kasabapet police have arrested 26 individuals in connection with the illegal storage and distribution of food items intended for pregnant women, lactating mothers, and Anganwadi children. The police have seized the food items and the Bolero vehicle involved in the operation. Two main suspects remain at large, and efforts are underway to apprehend them.

Police Commissioner N. Shashikumar disclosed that those arrested include vehicle owner Manjunath Desai, driver Basavaraj Bhadrishetti, warehouse owner Mohmmadgouse Khalifa, tenant Gautamsingh Thakur, Manjunath Madar from Kurudikeri in Hubballi taluk, and Fakkiresh Halagi, Krishna Madar, and Ravi Harijan, all residents of Yaraguppi in Kundagol taluk. Additionally, 18 Anganwadi workers were detained. The seized items, estimated to be worth 4 lakh rupees ( 8 ton, 84 kgs), include wheat rawa, millet laddus, fortified rice, milk powder, sambar masala powder, jaggery, upma masala, sugar, and gram dal.

Commissioner Shashikumar stated that the illegal storage and sale of these food items in the black market were uncovered during a raid on a warehouse on Sunday. The raid was conducted following a complaint filed by the District Program Officer of the Women and Child Development Department. The investigation is ongoing to determine the full extent of the involvement in this organized crime.

He emphasized that a comprehensive investigation has been ordered to expose the network and individuals involved in this organized crime. Authorities aim to ascertain details such as how the accused repackaged the food items, where they sold them, and the roles played by the Anganwadi workers and other suspects in the crime, as well as the duration of their activities.