Two illegal grain yards unearthed

Two illegal grain yards were found operational a few metres away from the Gidderbaha Market Committee office and the official grain market, raising questions about the functioning of the authorities concerned.

Around 2,500 gunny bags filled with wheat were found at these yards. Loading/unloading of produce was underway when the authorities reached there, sources said.

A penalty of nearly Rs 1.7 lakh was imposed on two commission agents for bypassing mandatory market committee fees and causing financial loss to it.

Gidderbaha Market Committee secretary Anil Khunger said, “Show-cause notices have been issued. Although both agents had applied for permission, it was never granted. Despite that, they went ahead with unauthorised operations. A penalty of nearly Rs 1.7 lakh has been realised from them. I urge farmers to take their produce only to the authorised mandis.” The violation came to light after a complaint led to an on-site inspection