Cachar district administration crackdown on hoarding amid flood crisis

SILCHAR: In a decisive move to safeguard consumer rights and uphold market integrity during the ongoing flood crisis, the Cachar district administration, under the directives of Kaushik Rai, Minister for Food, Public Distribution, Consumer Affairs, and Barak Valley Development, and as per instructions from Cachar District Commissioner Mridul Yadav, has intensified its crackdown on hoarding and artificial price inflation. A wave of surprise raids was launched across Silchar on Wednesday, spearheaded by the Food, Public Distribution & Consumer Affairs Department in a bid to curb exploitative trade practices at a time when the public is already reeling under natural adversity.

The operation was led by Additional District Commissioner Dr. Dhrubajyoti Hazarika, ACS, who constituted a dedicated inspection team headed by Mukhyadhar Das, Inspector of Food, Public Distribution and Consumer Affairs. The team, along with supporting staff, conducted thorough inspections and stock verifications in several critical market hubs including Tarapur, Meherpur, Jailroad, Rongpur, and Sadarghat. These targeted raids aimed to ensure transparency in stock declarations, prevent hoarding, and restore fairness in the retail ecosystem during a vulnerable time for the district.

One of the most striking discoveries emerged from Meherpur, where a large warehouse was found to be storing an enormous cache of potatoes—56,000 packets of Bengal potatoes and 13,000 packets of Agra potatoes, each packet weighing 50 kg. This revelation swiftly dispelled fears of a potato shortage in the district and highlighted the need for strict monitoring to prevent artificial scarcity. The stock verification confirmed that potato supply in the region is adequate and capable of meeting consumer demand.

Market prices of potatoes were also reviewed during the raids. Officials confirmed that Bengal potatoes are retailing between Rs 16–18 per kg, while Agra potatoes are priced at Rs 21–22 per kg—well within acceptable market rates. This pricing stability reaffirmed the administration’s belief that the ongoing panic over rising costs was largely driven by misinformation and unethical trade practices, which the department is determined to address through sustained oversight.

The district administration has issued a stern warning to traders, emphasizing strict adherence to fair trade norms. Authorities have made it clear that any breach will invite serious consequences. The raids serve as a powerful reminder of the government’s zero-tolerance policy toward market manipulation and its unyielding commitment to consumer welfare.

By taking swift and firm action, the Cachar district administration has reinforced its dedication to ensuring that essential commodities remain affordable and accessible for all, even amid adversity. The ongoing surveillance and enforcement activities underline a broader resolve to maintain price discipline, eliminate profiteering, and uphold the economic rights of every citizen during this challenging period, stated a press release.

Also Read: All educational institutions in Cachar to remain closed till Friday amid flood situation

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