Officials support sale of pan masala
The traders are shifting these banned goods through Srikakulam district
By : DC Correspondent
Update: 2014-09-03 05:49 GMT
Srikakulam: Banned tobacco products, khaini, gutka, miraj (tobacco powder) and pan masala sales are rampant in Srikakulam district. As the district is situated adjacent to Odisha border, the traders are shifting these banned goods through Srikakulam district in the name of route permit, with alleged support of officials and ruling party (TD) leaders.
In Odisha, sales of these goods are allowed and in AP, the government issued GO No.6 on January 6, 2014, by extending the ban on these goods till January 2015. To cash in on the situation, the traders are selling these goods at a high price, by importing from Odisha in the name of route permit, through Srikakulam, though there are alternatives routes in Odisha.
Six days ago Burja police registered case for transporting miraj from Aska to Rayagada, both in Odisha.
“After registering occurrence report we informed the anti-food adulteration wing officials,” said Burja SI, N. Lakshman. On information, the anti-food adulteration inspector, S. Eswari, went to Burja and seized the mini-lorry (OR-02VV7079) and shifted it to Srikakulam DCMS godowns in which '11.65 lakh worth miraj was being transported.
The traders reportedly sought support of a TD leader of Noupada, in Tekkali Assembly segment. The leader approached a minister and put pressure on officials. As a result the mini-lorry was released with banned goods.
Doubts rose on release after three days of its custody. It was proved that there are alternative roads to reach Rayagada from Aska in Odisha State, but traders are selecting route through Srikakulam to dump the material here.