2.5 tonnes of welfare milk powder intercepted en route to Maharashtra, sparking political criticism and food-supply scrutiny.
Police in Chikodi, Belagavi district intercepted a vehicle carrying an estimated 2.5 tonnes of milk powder meant for Anganwadi children while it was being smuggled toward Ichalkaranji in Maharashtra, officials said. The seizure occurred near Sankeshwar Cross during a routine police check, uncovering a significant diversion of a welfare commodity intended for child nutrition.
Authorities believe the consignment, valued at around ₹6.5 lakh, belonged to the Women and Child Welfare Department and was earmarked for distribution to local Anganwadi centres — India’s government-supported child-care and nutrition hubs. Police detained three individuals, including the vehicle’s driver, and registered a case at the Chikodi police station, with the seized milk powder sent for laboratory analysis to confirm its contents.
The incident quickly drew sharp political reactions, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) criticizing the Women and Child Welfare Minister, Laxmi Hebbalkar, and the ministry on social media. The BJP alleged the episode reflects negligence and repeated diversion of welfare supplies into black-market channels, and demanded accountability and legal action against those responsible for the misappropriation.
Opposition criticisms focused on concerns that essential commodities intended to support childhood nutrition and welfare are being siphoned off before reaching beneficiaries. Party representatives urged clearer oversight mechanisms over government food distribution systems and suggested tighter tracking to prevent similar smuggling attempts that could undermine public confidence.
The case underscores ongoing challenges in safeguarding nutritional welfare supplies from corruption or diversion, particularly in regions bordering multiple states. Dairy producers and supply-chain stakeholders might watch broader regulatory responses closely, as strengthening food-supply integrity has implications for both public health outcomes and the credibility of welfare programmes tied to dairy ingredients.
Source: Times of India — https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hubballi/anganwadi-milk-powder-seized-while-being-smuggled-to-maha/articleshow/126841450.cms
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