LUCKNOW, Jan. 22 -- An alleged attempt to divert public distribution system (PDS) rice meant for beneficiaries under the National Food Security Act was thwarted in in Uttar Pradesh's Sitapur district, leading to the registration of an FIR against a transport contractor and others for violating the Essential Commodities Act.

The Kotwali police station registered a case on Wednesday under Sections 3/7 of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, along with relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), on the complaint of marketing inspector Shantanu Mishra. The FIR was lodged after the district magistrate, Sitapur, approved action in the matter on Tuesday following an official inquiry.

The case has been registered against transport...