The team sealed Bikki Stores and an unnamed store as per the direction of Minister Bhatta.[break]
“We carried out inspection at these stores following complaints by locals. We suspect that the stores were hoarding food commodities to manipulate prices in the market,” said a member of the inspection team.
Tika Prashad Bhandari, a market inspector at Department of Commerce, said owners of both the stores have been asked to furnish legal documents of their store at the department.
The team also conducted inspection at two other stores in the same area and asked proprietors of the stores to furnish clarification at the department. It, however, allowed the stores to continue operation.
“We found that both the stores were not giving bills to consumers. Some items at the stores did not have product information,” Bhandari added.
Meanwhile, the members of market inspection team said the presence of Minister Bhatta in the inspection team has boosted their morale.
Minister Bhatta said market inspection has been intensified to end market anomalies. “Our intention is not to discourage investors, but we won´t let foul players walk away scot-free,” the minister added.
DoC to consult with public prosecutors
The DoC is consulting public prosecutors on Monday in a bid to seek legal action against foul players in the market.
Kamal Bahadur Thapa, section officer at DoC, said that department will seek suggestions from the public prosecutors on how business firms playing with public health can be brought to justice.
“We will file cases against such business firms as per the suggestions of public prosecutors,” added Thapa.
Related story
Vegetable traders protest market inspection
_20191222200001.jpg)
