CM directs EB officers to keep tab on escalating price of mutton

Kolkata: Stating that the novel Coronavirus has no connection with eating chicken that led to the drop in its price, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has directed the Enforcement Branch (EB) to take necessary steps to check the skyrocketing price of mutton which was selling at Rs 750 per kg in various markets.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said: "There are a quarter of people who keep spreading gossips whenever any such situation comes up. I will ask the EB officers to keep an eye on the situation."

Banerjee was addressing a press meet at Nabanna on Wednesday where she made the announcement. Chief Secretary Rajiva Sinha was also present during the press conference.

After rumours spread that one may get affected by Coronavirus if they eat chicken the price of chicken dropped to Rs 80 per kg. At the same time, the price of mutton skyrocketed to Rs 720 per kg.

When asked about the drop in the price of chicken, Banerjee said: "The government is keeping a watch on the situation. There is no connection of the disease with that of having chicken."

It is being noticed for the last few days that a large section of people started avoiding eating chicken as rumour spread that it might lead to a certain disease.

As a result, the sale of the same dropped and even on the days of Holi celebration, it was sold at Rs 80 per kg.

At many places, traders were found giving various offers to sell out the

same. Meanwhile, there were reports from different parts of the state that a section of traders was charging arbitrarily for mutton.

Officers from EB on Wednesday conducted raids at different meat shops at New Market area on receiving a complaint that it is being sold at a premium.

The officers verified the prices and found that the wholesale price of meat was Rs 620 per kg to Rs 640 per kg. While its retail price was Rs 660 per kg to 700 per kg. The EB officers will continue conducting raids at different markets in and around the city.