Sources said the ban was imposed amidst reports that rice millers were purchasing paddy from the neighbouring state at a cheaper rate for Rs 1,200 to Rs 1,300 per quintal. Millers procured local paddy only in papers by managing gate passes in connivance with officials of the market committee and agencies. The custom milled rice obtained from paddy brought from UP wassupplied to hoodwinkthe government andearn extra profits.