Three arrested under Goondas Act for smuggling

Three persons were arrested under the Goondas Act for smuggling 14,300 kg of rice meant for distribution through fair-price outlets here.

According to the Civil Supplies Criminal Investigation Department, Syed Maula, 44, of Hosur, Manivannan, 38, of Krishnagiri and Muthu alias Gorila Muthu, 45, of Madurai were repeat offenders involved in the smuggling of rice across the State. In January, the accused were involved in the smuggling of 14,300 kg of rice in a truck that was intercepted on the Salem-Bengaluru National Highway.

The investigation revealed the involvement of the accused in multiple cases. Following this, Collector R. Satheesh invoked the Goondas Act against the accused. The three have been lodged in the Salem Central prison, according to the administration.