Telangana officials find rice weight fraud and price overcharging in Hyderabad markets

Telangana Civil Supplies officials discovered that rice sold at several Hyderabad and Rangareddy outlets was being under‑weighed and sold at inflated prices. Inspectors found traders attaching 26‑kilogram labels to bags that actually contained only 25 kilograms of rice. They also saw price stickers that listed rates higher than the manufacturers’ printed prices. The checks were part of surprise inspections by the Enforcement Task Force and the Legal Metrology Department from Oct 29 to Oct 31. Teams filed complaints at Saroornagar, Jeedimetla and Alwal police stations, prompting action against the traders. Further violations included diversion and hoarding of PDS rice and operation without required trade, GST, labour or FSSAI licences. Inspectors recorded the offences with videos and photographs. The state government responded on Oct 31 by fixing the maximum retail price for three fine‑rice varieties in the city limits: BPT/KNM at ₹66 per kilogram, RNR/Telangana Sona at ₹74, and HMT/JSR at ₹79, covering Hyderabad and Medchal. Officials said vigilance will continue to stop similar fraud.

Context

The Public Distribution System supplies subsidised rice to low‑income families, making any diversion or overcharging a direct hit on vulnerable consumers. Price caps aim to keep staple food affordable in urban areas.