Fake Ration Cards: Minister G R Anil Calls for Vigilance Probe

Thiruvananthapuram: Following the circulation of fake priority ration cards, Minister for Food and Civil Supplies G R Anil has written to the Chief Minister, urging a vigilance investigation. A total of 146 fake priority cards were distributed across Bheemappalli, Poontura, and nearby areas. In connection with the case, Vanchiyoor police arrested Bheemappalli ration shop owner Sahadkhan and computer centre owner Haseeb Khan.

The perpetrators upgraded non-priority cardholders, those with white and blue cards, to the priority (pink) category. They accessed the ration card management website and extracted data from the database to manipulate the cards. The fraud has been ongoing since June, and several cardholders have already used the fake cards to purchase food supplies. Suspicious activity raised by some Food Department officials prompted the complaint to the police.

Authorities suspect more individuals may be involved and are investigating whether any Food and Civil Supplies Department employees assisted the group.