Bantwal: The local residents here aided the seizure of rice under Public distribution system (PDS) being transported illegally near Narikombu of Bantwal taluk and succeeded in handing it over to the food department officials on August 2.

Locals found a mini lorry transporting rice near Manimajalu and informed the police. During verification, police found 7 quintals of rice in 14 bags being transported to Shambur after converting it into rice flour at a mill in Panemangaluru.

On receiving information Bantwal Tahsildar Purandar Hegde along with Food Inspector Srinivas arrived at the spot and seized the mini lorry along with the rice consignment.

Police registered a case and transferred the case to town police station for further investigation.