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Exclusive: Plastic rice, pigmented pulses as ration; Minister in denial

The stock of foodgrains that arrived in the Gurudevarahalli Colony in Mandya district was reportedly so adulterated that many in fact returned their allotted stock.

People in Maddur Taluk of Karnataka's Mandya district were in for a rude shock when they lined up to get their ration for the month.

The stock of foodgrains that arrived in the Gurudevarahalli Colony was reportedly so adulterated that many in fact returned their allotted stock.

While the rice was laced with yellow substance, the legumes had blue pigmentation.

Villagers claimed that the 'plastic rice' had been mixed with the foodgrain. Some even showed the plastic rice melting when burnt.

Confronted by Asianet Newsable for answers, Karnataka Food and Civil supplies minister K Gopalaiah ruled out any adulteration despite the fact that test results of the adulterated rice are yet to come out.

Here's what the minister said: "I have checked with officials. It seems like some rumours. Had we got some sacks of rice, there would have been some possibility. And the plastic or rubber rice you say, costs more that the rice we are giving to the public. So there is no question of adulteration."