OTP fraud and stock mismatches: Vigilance conducts flash searches at godowns, ration shops

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) has launched a sweeping crackdown on corruption and structural irregularities within the state’s Public Distribution System (PDS) through a series of coordinated flash raids codenamed 'Operation Food Safety.' The surprise inspections, which commenced simultaneously at 10:30 AM on Tuesday, covered 14 National Food Security Act (NFSA) godowns and 54 retail ration shops across Kerala. The operation is part of the government’s ongoing 'Project Zero' initiative, a targeted drive aimed at eliminating corruption across various state departments.

The statewide crackdown was ordered directly by Vigilance Director Manoj Abraham following credible intelligence regarding systemic leakages within Supplyco-managed NFSA godowns and the broader retail distribution network.

Investigative sources revealed that the anti-corruption agency had received specific tip-offs indicating glaring discrepancies between official stock registers and the actual physical inventory inside several godowns. Large quantities of subsidized food grains intended for public welfare were reportedly being smuggled out and diverted to the black market. Preliminary findings suggest the existence of a deep-rooted nexus involving ration shop licensees, godown staff, transport contractors, and department officials who allegedly colluded to facilitate the illegal trade.

Furthermore, the Vigilance bureau had recently received a flurry of complaints regarding technological manipulation within the e-POS and distribution networks. This involved the generation of fraudulent billing and the deliberate misuse of One-Time Passwords (OTPs) to illegally siphon off food grains meant for eligible beneficiaries. Officials stated that a thorough audit of the seized records, physical stock, and digital transaction logs is currently underway to ascertain the exact scale of the pilferage and initiate criminal proceedings against the compromised staff and intermediaries.