Expired flour distributed through ration shop? Dealer takes stock back after Bankura protests

Residents of Kulbana village under Kenzakura Gram Panchayat in Bankura-I Block staged a protest on Thursday after alleging that expired flour had been distributed through a local ration shop. The allegations were directed at ration dealer Shankar Mukhopadhyay. Following the demonstration and growing public pressure, the dealer took back the flour that had already been distributed to consumers.

According to local residents, 950-gram packets of flour were supplied through the ration shop. Villagers alleged that the packets carried a best-before date of May 16, 2026, and were distributed after that date had passed. The allegations raised concerns among consumers regarding the quality and safety of food items being supplied through the public distribution system.

The incident triggered unrest outside the ration shop as residents gathered to protest against the alleged distribution of expired food products. Kulbana village is predominantly inhabited by members of the tribal community. Some villagers also alleged that they received flour instead of wheat through the ration system. Residents Jiten Tudu, Babulal Murmu and Shukurmani Mandi said they initially did not realise the flour had allegedly crossed its best-before date and later returned the packets after learning about the issue.

Responding to the allegations, ration dealer Shankar Mukhopadhyay stated that he had already informed the concerned department about the expiry of the flour. He said the flour was taken back following instructions from the administration. According to the dealer, the government later directed that ration supplies be distributed in a ratio of 60 per cent wheat and 40 per cent flour, and the distribution was carried out accordingly.