The YSRCP had misused its authority during its tenure, leading to widespread corruption 

Metro India News | amaravati

Authorities have intensified their probe into the ration rice scam, issuing lookout notices against the family of former minister Perni Nani to prevent them from fleeing the country. The move comes amidst mounting allegations of misappropriation involving missing sacks of ration rice.

The police action follows significant developments in the case. While the accused have filed bail petitions, the hearing originally scheduled for Tuesday has been postponed to December 19. In the meantime, the family has started making payments toward the value of the missing rice. On December 13, they submitted three demand drafts worth Rs.1 crore as the first installment, and on Tuesday, additional drafts worth Rs.70 lakh were provided, bringing the total payment to Rs.1.7 crore so far.

However, TDP members argue that these payments may allow Perni Nani’s family to evade legal consequences. Initially, authorities reported 3,708 sacks of ration rice as missing, but there are growing suspicions that the actual quantity may be much higher. An official statement confirming the precise figures is expected soon.

Police also filed cases on December 10 against warehouse owner Jayasudha and manager Manas Teja for their alleged roles in the scam. Jayasudha applied for bail on December 13, but her hearing was deferred to Thursday. Given her suspected involvement, police have issued a lookout notice against her as well to prevent any attempts to leave the country.

Amid the investigation, Minister for Mines and Excise Kollu Ravindra launched a scathing attack on the former minister. Speaking at a press conference in the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) central office in Mangalagiri, Ravindra accused Perni Nani of exploiting his power for personal gain.

“Perni Nani must answer why he went silent and disappeared after allegations surfaced about the missing rice,” said Ravindra. “This scam exposes the corruption that thrived under the previous government, which diverted resources meant for the poor. No one involved will escape justice.”

Ravindra alleged that under the previous administration, lakh tonnes of ration rice were siphoned off. He highlighted that the missing rice valued at approximately Rs.90 lakh was part of a broader pattern of corruption that impacted public resources. He warned that the government would pursue strict legal action against all those involved.

Minister Ravindra further claimed that the YSRCP had misused its authority during its tenure, leading to widespread corruption. “This rice scam is just the tip of the iceberg. There were multiple instances of exploitation and looting under the previous regime,” he alleged.

“Stealing public resources and paying money afterward does not absolve anyone of their crimes,” said Ravindra. “The law will take its course, and those responsible will face the consequences.”

As the investigation unfolds, law enforcement agencies are preparing for further actions. Officials have hinted at uncovering larger quantities of missing rice and expanding the scope of the inquiry to trace all individuals involved.

The next court hearing on bail petitions is slated for December 19, and further updates are expected as the investigation progresses.