Lab reports say consignment is palmolein: Collector

Kochi, Nov 28 (UNI) Ernakulam District Collector Mohammed Hanish today said as per the preliminary lab reports on the 'palm oil' consignment brought here by a private company, it was found the oil was 'palmolein' and not palm oil as recorded in the invoices.

Speaking to reporters here, Mr Hanish said a comprehensive report on the quality of the oil that was transported in wagons used to carry petrol and diesel, would be available in the next two weeks.

He said the Civil Supplies, Health Department and Commercial Tax Intelligence Department were looking into the matter.

The train was released to the Railway authorities after unloading the consignment and police was guarding the terminal.

He said the consignment was originally sent from Tiruvalluvar District of Tamil Nadu and arrived here on Monday from Salt Coaturs Railway Station in Chennai.

The Collector seized 1,785 tonne of 'palm oil' in 35 wagons following instructions from Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan after reports said it was transported in petrol and diesel wagons.

The administration would give a detailed report to the state government for further investigation, he added.

On the forthcoming World AIDS Day on December one, the Collector said the administration launched a slew of programmes to spread awareness in the district.

Mr Hanish said about 374 people, including 12 children, were infected with the HIV virus and stressed the importance of spreading awareness on the disease in the district.

On December one, an awareness rally with the theme 'Stop AIDS, Keep the Promise -- Take leadership in Preventing Aids,' would be organised here.

''Today, a quiz programme was organised at a local college and tomorrow, a seminar on 'Panchayati Raj and HIV/Aids Prevention' will be conducted,'' he said.

The Collector said two units had been established in the district to educate sex workers on HIV/AIDS.

UNI