Rajshahi, Mar 21 (V7N)– Authorities in Godagari, Rajshahi, have seized 2,632 kilograms of government-allocated VGF (Vulnerable Group Feeding) rice that was being smuggled from the Gogram Union Parishad (UP) office. Two individuals have been arrested in connection with the incident.

The operation, conducted on Thursday, March 20, was initiated by Godagari Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Faisal Ahmed, following confidential information regarding the smuggling of rice intended for the poor and needy.

"2,632 kg of VGF rice has been seized during smuggling in Godagari, Rajshahi. The rice was being smuggled from the Gogram Union Parishad (UP) office of the upazila," confirmed a local official. 

The rice, allocated for distribution among 2,380 vulnerable individuals on the occasion of Eid, was being diverted from its intended recipients. Locals alerted the UNO after witnessing the rice being loaded into a van from the UP office.

The UNO, accompanied by police, seized 29 sacks of rice in Dhatma village, 17 sacks at the Dhatma Khadi bridge, and 8 sacks from a house in Hatpara. Additionally, 85 empty sacks sealed by the Food Department were recovered.

"Two people have been arrested on charges of rice smuggling," stated UNO Faisal Ahmed. The arrested individuals are Asadul from Teropara village and Mainul from Uchchharakandi village.

Following the incident, acting Gogram Union Parishad Chairman Aslam Ali has reportedly gone into hiding.

A complaint has been filed at the police station under the Special Powers Act by an employee of the Godagari Upazila Project Implementation Officer's office.

"Upazila Project Implementation Officer AKM Mominul Haque said that two people were arrested from the spot on charges of buying smuggled rice. Legal action against them is under process," a police spokesperson noted.

Local residents have alleged widespread irregularities in the distribution of the VGF rice, claiming that many recipients are affluent individuals and local BNP leaders and activists. They allege that the acting chairman, Aslam Ali, who assumed the position after the elected chairman's arrest, is involved in the misappropriation. Attempts to contact Aslam Ali for comment were unsuccessful.

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