Hyderabad: Hyderabad City Police detained an alleged habitual PDS rice black-marketeer under the Preventive Detention Act for repeated involvement in illegal rice trade. Police identified the detainee as Md. Rafiq, 24, a CCTV technician and resident of Talabkatta in Hyderabad.
According to police, Rafiq allegedly procured subsidised Public Distribution System rice at low prices. He then stocked the rice in large quantities and transported it to different destinations for commercial gain.
Police alleged that these activities caused financial losses to the State government and the Civil Supplies Corporation. Moreover, they said the alleged black-marketing undermined the functioning of the Public Distribution System.
PDS rice black-marketeer faced multiple cases
Rafiq faced criminal cases registered at Bhavani Nagar, Mirchowk and Medak Town police stations, police said. The cases were registered under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Essential Commodities Act. They also involved regulations governing the Public Distribution System.
Police described Rafiq as a habitual offender because of his alleged repeated involvement in illegal procurement, transportation and black-marketing of subsidised PDS rice.
The Hyderabad Commissioner of Police issued the Preventive Detention order against Rafiq on August 13, 2026. The order cited his repeated involvement in activities considered prejudicial to public order.
Subsequently, Bhavani Nagar police apprehended Rafiq on Saturday and executed the detention order. Following the execution of the order, police remanded the alleged PDS rice black-marketeer to Chanchalguda Central Prison.