Mepaddi: Disaster victims from Mundakkai and Chooralmala are alleging that the relief kits distributed by the Mepaddi Panchayat contained substandard and insect-infested rice. Flood victims gathered at the Panchayat office to protest, claiming the rice was unfit for consumption.
In solidarity with the affected residents, DYFI and BJP organized marches to the Mepaddi Panchayat office, which ended in clashes. DYFI accused the Panchayat of distributing kits containing insect-filled, spoiled grains and used clothing.
Insects were reportedly found in five of the food kits, sparking complaints against the UDF-led Panchayat. The recipients stated that items like rice and rava were unusable and alleged that the food was not fit even for animals. The Panchayat responded by clarifying that the kits were distributed through donations from NGOs and the Revenue Department.
