Sun Dec 01 00:50:00 UTC 2024: **Andhra Pradesh Deputy CM Orders Probe into Kakinada Port Rice Smuggling**
Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh: Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan has ordered an investigation into alleged rice smuggling through the Kakinada port. The investigation follows repeated mentions of three individuals—Alisha, Agarwal, and the owner of Manasa company—in connection with the illicit activity.
According to sources, two of these individuals are close associates of former Kakinada YSR Congress MLA Dwarampudi Chandrasekhar Reddy, with one being his brother. Vinod Agarwal is reportedly a key player in rice exports through the port, while Sheikh Ahmad Alisha’s influence stems from his involvement in shipbuilding. The Manasa company is allegedly owned by Reddy’s brother, Veerabhadra Reddy.
Allegations suggest that with the backing of these individuals, millions of kilograms of subsidized rice intended for the poor were illegally exported through the Kakinada port during the previous YSR Congress government’s five-year term. Their proximity to the former MLA adds weight to these accusations.
Alisha, initially a low-level employee with a private company supplying groceries to ships, now commands a multi-crore business empire centered around the port. He is facing multiple accusations, including oil smuggling. Agarwal is connected to international rice export firms, leveraging extensive domestic and international contacts to establish a crucial role in Kakinada port’s export operations.
The ability of these individuals to reach positions of influence within key sectors, allegedly with the support of previous government officials, is raising serious concerns. The investigation is expected to shed light on the extent of the alleged smuggling operation and those involved.
First Piper 