Fertilizer Black Marketing Crackdown: State Team Raids Two Shops, Illegal Stock Seized and Godowns Sealed
NBS Digital 
Ambikapur: In response to complaints of fertilizer black marketing in the Sitapur region of Surguja district, a state-level investigation team, along with the Revenue and Agriculture Departments, conducted a joint raid. The operation targeted Gopal Krishi Seva Kendra and Bhagwati Traders located in villages Guturma and Saraipara, where significant irregularities in fertilizer storage and distribution were uncovered. Following the raid, the godowns were sealed, and further legal action was initiated.
Two Shops Operated Under One License
During the raid, it was found that the operator of Gopal Krishi Seva Kendra was running two separate shops using a single license, which is a direct violation of regulations. Moreover, both shops were found to be storing and distributing fertilizers such as urea, potash, and NPK without a valid license or authorization. A large quantity of fertilizer bags was found stored in a rented building.
Violation of Fertilizer Control Order and Essential Commodities Act
Due to the unauthorized storage and distribution, the investigation team took action under the Fertilizer Control Order, 1985 and the Essential Commodities Act, 1955. The godowns were sealed immediately, and samples of the fertilizers were collected and sent to the laboratory for testing to verify their quality and nutrient content.
Officers Involved in the Investigation
The joint raid was led by Assistant Director of Agriculture Dr. Sumit Sori, accompanied by SDO Agriculture Anita Ekka, District Nodal Officer Abhishek Jha, District Inspector Jahangir Alam, Himanshu Kumar, and officers from the revenue and police departments.
Notice Issued to the Shop Owner
Fertilizer Inspector Santosh Bek informed that a notice has been issued to the operator of Gopal Krishi Seva Kendra for operating two shops under one license. He has been ordered to shut down one of the shops immediately and has been instructed to submit all related documents within two days. Further action will be taken after reviewing the submitted documents.
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