Tripura Consumer Affairs Dept Cracks the Whip on Hoarders, Raids Shops and Warehouses in Maharajganja Bazaar to Curb Price Rise of Essentials

The team closely examined the documents of all businesses involved in the sale of essential commodities and cross-checked the pricing records

Amid public outcry over the sudden hike in prices of essential commodities during the festive season, the enforcement wing of the Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Affairs Department on Monday raided several shops and warehouses in Maharajganja Bazaar, Agartala’s largest wholesale market. The operation was part of a broader effort to curb inflation and ensure fair pricing.

During the raid, two shops were sealed for violating legal and trade regulations. One shop was found hoarding a large stock of Bangladeshi edible oil without a valid import license or proper sales records. Another shop that had a significant stock of rice was found to be operating without any valid business license, selling documents, or even a weighing machine.

Led by Pradip Chakraborty, Sub-divisional Food Controller for the Sadar subdivision in West Tripura district, the raid targeted shops suspected of price gouging, stock hoarding, and violating trade regulations.

Chakraborty said that the department is concerned about the reports of skyrocketing prices of food grains, edible oils, and vegetables, especially during the festive season when consumer demand is high.

He said, “Our team is conducting surprise checks on commodity prices, stocks, and documents to determine the actual cost of goods and to prevent unreasonable price hikes.”

The raid team was composed of officials from various departments, including food safety inspectors, legal metrology officials, and officers from the Deputy Collector’s Office (DCM).

The team closely examined the documents of all businesses involved in the sale of essential commodities and cross-checked the pricing records to ensure compliance with fair trade practices.

Following the discovery of these violations, the Sub-divisional Magistrate (SDM) will now initiate legal proceedings against the shop owners and strict legal action will be taken against those who are found guilty of inflating prices or conducting illegal trade activities.

The authorities also assured the public that regular monitoring and surprise raids will continue across various markets to protect consumers from price manipulation and unfair trade practices.

The raids come at a time when citizens in Agartala and across Tripura have been grappling with increased costs of essential items, leading to widespread frustration and demands for government intervention.

Maharajganja Bazaar, being the state’s primary wholesale market, plays a critical role in determining the prices of goods distributed throughout the region, making it a focal point for regulatory scrutiny.

With the festive season still ongoing, the Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Affairs Department has promised to intensify its enforcement measures to ensure that traders adhere to legal practices and do not exploit consumers by manipulating prices.

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