Over the charges of hoarding of essential items from government fair price shops (ration shops), eight ration dealers were show caused by the sub divisional administration of Belonia under South Tripura district.

Official sources said that during the regular inspection enforcement drives initiated by the Food and Civil Supply department at Belonia town, the authorities has recently detected mass irregularities for supply of public distribution system (PDS) items from eight ration shops and the authorities has also served show cause notices to these eight ration shop dealers asking clarification for gross irregularities.

Sources added that the Border Guards (BSF) posted in the bordering areas under Belonia subdivision have also alerted the Civil Administration over smuggling of sugar from ration shops.

Based on the information provided by BSF, the administration has started a massive enforcement drive in and around the Belonia town and authorities have also seized a vehicle loaded with 200 bags of sugar from a market near Indo-Bangla border.

The sub divisional administration during the enforcement drive at Bankar market area has recovered many expiry items from grocery shops and destroyed these items. The administration has also imposed financial penalties to five traders for using banned plastic carry bags.