Police seized 1,000 kg of rice meant for Vulnerable Group Feeding (VGF) programme on Tuesday night as it had been sold allegedly in the black market in Digholia Chowrasta area of Lohagara upazila under the district.

"Acting on a tip, I with a police team conducted a raid in Digholia Chowrasta area and seized 20 sacks of VGF rice from a trader named Sahabur Sheikh. But he managed to flee," said Saiful Islam, sub-inspector of Lohagara police station.

Rebeca Khan, upazila

nirbahi officer of Lohagara, said, "After hearing the matter, I sent officials to investigate the matter. Action will be taken if anyone is found guilty."

Local sources said the 1,000 kg of VGF rice contained in 20 sacks was sold in the black market in collusion with the chairman and members of Digholia union parishad (UP).

Contacted, Imtiaz Hossain, chairman of Digholia UP, denied the allegation, saying, “The rice was meant for VGF but the trader bought it from the stakeholders, not from me."