The seizure occurred at around 11:00 am on Friday, 4 September, near Rudrashree Government Primary School along the Madan-Tiyashree road. Officers impounded the vehicles and arrested both trolley drivers at the scene.

The arrested individuals have been identified as Mamun Miah, 28, son of Abu Kalam, and Aakar Ullah, 24, son of Abdul Haq, both hailing from Deosahila village in the upazila.

The relief grain originated from the government’s Open Market Sale (OMS) scheme, designed to provide subsidized food staples to vulnerable households. Over the preceding days, authorities distributed these supplies across local distribution centres. However, an opportunistic trading network exploited the system by purchasing subsidized rice directly from beneficiaries who chose to sell their allocations for immediate cash rather than take them home.

Syndicate members aggregated these purchases and loaded approximately 100 sacks onto two hand-trolleys to transport them towards Netrokona Sadar upazila on Friday morning. Spotting the suspicious cargo, vigilant residents intercepted the vehicles near Rudrashree and promptly alerted law enforcement.

Madan Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Salahuddin Karim confirmed that police acted on a tip-off regarding the illegal transport. A police team set up a checkpost along the route, halted the trolleys, and seized the contraband. Officers brought the vehicles, the drivers, and the seized grain to the police station, where official measurements are underway to determine the exact total weight.

Local residents called for a comprehensive investigation into the supply chain, urging officials to identify the hoarders managing the network and address why vulnerable beneficiaries felt compelled to resell their food aid.

Madan Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Nadir Hossain Shamim stated that local administration is taking the matter seriously. He confirmed directing police to lodge a formal criminal case and initiate a full enquiry into the illegal trade.