UNB, Kushtia :
About 13 tonnes of rice — government aid meant for the needy — have been seized from a local businessman’s godown in Kushtia, police said Friday.
After being alerted by local residents, police raided the godown at Koburhat Madrasa Para in Bottoil union on Thursday night and seized the government aid.
The businessman has been identified as Saiful Khandakar.
In fact, a few local residents on Thursday evening called the police helpline after spotting the Food Directorate logo on the sacks of rice stored in the godown. A police team, led by sub-inspector Mehedi from Jogoti police station, was the first to reach the spot.
Later around 10pm on Thursday, the officer-in-charge of Kushita Model police station, Shawkat Kabir, visited the storehouse and sealed it.
“The Directorate General of Food has initiated a probe. Further action will be taken after receipt of its report,” he said.
Though businessman Saiful claimed he had bought the rice at Tk 38 a kg, he couldn’t produce any document to substantiate his claim.
Bottoil Union Parishad Chairman MA Momin Mandal said he was not aware how the rice meant for relief ended up there.
District administrator of Kushtia, Md Khairul Islam, said that necessary directives have been given to the district food office.
District food inspector Johurul Alam said, “After investigating, necessary action will be taken against the businessman.”
