Hotels, shops raided ahead of Onam

Notice issued to 13 vegetable shops, five hotels, six grocery stores

A special squad conducting inspection at a shop at Sakthan Market in Thrissuron Wednesday.

Various departments, including Civil Supplies, Police, Health, and Legal Metrology, conducted a joint raid in the public market ahead of Onam here on Wednesday.

The raid was conducted on the direction of the district collector to trace adulteration, tampered weighing machines and manipulated prices.

The team issued notice to 13 vegetable shops, five hotels and six grocery shops. Many shops did not display any price list. Some shops displayed prices in temporary cardboard sheets, the officials said.

The hotels that did not have facilities to process the waste water and those who release waste water into the streets were also issued notice. An illegal gas cylinder was seized from a hotel.

The health department officials warned the public of possible food adulteration in the Onam market. In all, raids were conducted on 42 vegetable shops, six hotels and 12 grocery shops.

The raid conducted by a special squad formed with members from various departments, started from 10 a.m. The team was led by District Supply Officer Jalaja Mani, taluk supply officer Anil and East A.S.I Sasidharan. The inspection will continue in the coming days, according to officials.

There are many complaints that shops are charging inflated prices for vegetables and grocery items ahead of Onam.

The prices were not stable and kept rising as the stocks began dwindling.

The price of some vegetables rose sharply as their supply plummeted due to lack of transportation.

The prices of common vegetables like chilli, ladies finger, drumstick and brinjal are beyond the reach of the common man. The price of raw banana, which is essential for making banana chips, has touched Rs. 80-90 per kg.