EB raids 70 markets across city to check soaring prices

Kolkata: After Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee blamed a section of unscrupulous businessmen for creating an arbitrary price rise of vegetables, Enforcement Branch (EB) of Kolkata Police conducted raids in city markets on Friday.

According to sources, on Friday morning, eight teams went to 70 markets across the city to see whether the sellers are demanding arbitrary prices for the vegetables.

The raid started at 10 am from VIP Market in Phoolbagan area. Apart from that EB visited popular markets, including Koley market, Baithakkhana market, Gariahat market and Behala market.

While posing as customers, EB officials found that in almost every market businessmen are demanding high prices.

When officials disclosed their identities and asked for explanations, sellers tried to convince them that they are buying the vegetables at a high rate. In some occasions businessmen got involved in altercations with EB officials during the raid. However, no actions have been taken on Friday.

Sources informed that it has been decided that for a few days businessmen will be warned and directed not to demand price of vegetables above the rate fixed by the state government.

After a few days of warning if anyone found violating the order, may get prosecuted as per the provisions of the law.

On Thursday, Banerjee chaired an emergency meeting of the task force, with the prices of vegetables including onion and potato witnessing a sudden rise in the market. Potato is currently selling at Rs 22 per kg, while onion is priced at Rs 70-80.

"Some unscrupulous businessmen are selling vegetables at a much higher cost by citing effect of the cyclone Bulbul. We are keeping a close watch on such traders and the police will take necessary action. The situation will turn normal in seven to eight days," Banerjee said after the meeting.

Banerjee reiterated that crops have been damaged in South 24-Parganas due to the severe cyclone but there are many other districts where vegetable production has been good.

"So the price rise cannot be attributed to the cyclone," she said.