NCP wants Goondas Act in Pondy

Puducherry, June 27 (UNI) The Puducherry unit of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) today demanded the introduction of 'Goondas Act' in the Union Territory and arrest of PDS rice smugglers under the Act.

In a statement here, party State President G Sundaramurthy said smuggling of ration rice from Puducherry had led to the steep price rise of rice here. Quality rice, which could fetch Rs 15 per kg in the open market, was being sold through the PDS here. The smuggling of rice was continuing due to the absence of any stringent Act to check it. Hence, as in neighbouring Tamil Nadu, the Goondas Act should be introduced here, he added.

Pointing to the seizure of 12,000 tonnes of rice meant for smuggling from a goods train here a few months ago, he regretted that eventhough the case was handed over to the CBI, the real culprits were yet to be arrested. He demanded that the case be expedited.

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