Agitators demand action against 'malicious' ration dealers

Barasat, Oct 4 (UNI) Locals led by Trinamool Congress activists today demanded appropriate action against the alleged malicious ration dealers here before the Block Development Office at Amdanga.

Protestors returned after being assured by the sub-divisional authorities of taking action against the offenders, following a meeting of the Barasat SDO and Amdanga BDO with the demonstrators.

However, the demonstration remained peaceful, while a large police force led by Additional superintendent of Police(North) Sugata Sen was deployed at the Block Office this afternoon.

At least 33 dealers, operating in ration shops in Amdanga, have been identified so far, who were allegedly involved in smuggling of food grains supplied under public distribution system through government agencies for the past one year, Saidul Islam, a local Trinamool Congress leader alleged.

''The corrupt dealers in connivance with the local panchayet leaders were depriving not only the APL consumers but also people below poverty level siphoning food grains into the open market,'' he added.

UNI