Kolkata, Aug 2 (IANS) Following the instructions of Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, the Enforcement Branch and Kolkata Police raided various markets across the state, including Kolkata, on Sunday to keep vegetable prices under check after rates skyrocketed in the last few weeks.
Enforcement Branch officials raided Shyambazar, Kole Market, Garia Bazaar, and Jadu Babur Bazar in Kolkata. In addition, local officials visited various markets across the state and spoke to sellers and buyers to understand the market situation.
They asked the vegetable sellers about the prices they were selling. An official said, “A few of our teams have gone out. They are saying that the prices are the same in the different markets. But monitoring is being done to ensure that prices do not vary from one market to another.”
On the other hand, the police also checked the markets in several districts.
The Kolaghat block administration and Panshkura Purba MLA, Subrata Maity, made a surprise visit to vegetable markets and fertiliser shops in Deulia Bazar and Kolaghat areas of East Midnapore district.
The MLA inquired whether potatoes, onions and other vegetables were being sold at the correct price in shops. He also talked to the sellers. After that, the officials went to the local fruit markets and fertiliser shops. They inquired from the farmers whether the fertiliser was being charged at high rates.
The Enforcement Branch also raided the Kachari market in Baruipur of South 24 Parganas district. Officers from the Baruipur Police Station, Baruipur Municipality and Baruipur BDO office were present during the operation.
The operation was also conducted in Shantipur of Nadia district.
Traders and sellers said that the price of vegetables soared due to continuous rain in July and a shortage of supply.
However, there were allegations of price manipulation in the wholesale and retail markets. Papaya and pumpkin were not available below Rs 30. In some places, these are being sold at Rs 40 per kilogram. Brinjal was selling at over Rs 80 to Rs 90 per kilogram. Two days ago, the prices were even higher. Green chillies were being sold at Rs 200 per kilogram, while tomatoes were being sold at Rs 115 to Rs 120 per kilogram. However, many said prices generally increase during the monsoon season, and then come down as the season ends.
–IANS
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