36 godowns yield 440cr dal stash over 9 days

MUMBAI/ NAVI MUMBAI/ THANE: The total value of pulses seized by the food and civil supplies department from hoarders in Mumbai, Thane and Raigad has gone up to Rs 440 crore. Officials said they confiscated about 61,250 tonnes of pulses—tur, urad and masoor —over the last nine days.
Of 36 godowns raided since October 19, owners of 18 warehouses will face criminal procedure for illegal hoarding of essential commodities more than approved quantity.
The state has imposed restrictions on hoarding of pulses on wholesalers, retailers, traders and private retail chains. The restrictions are also applicable to those selling edible oils and oil seeds. The raids aim to arrest the price rise ahead of Diwali.
In Thane, more than 12,000 metric tonnes of pulses worth over Rs 120 crore imported from Canada and Dubai was seized in Shil-Daighar area.
Thane police commissioner Param Bir Singh said they will check whom this stock was meant for.
In Navi Mumbai, officials of Raigad district on Tuesday seized 67.05 lakh kg of tur dal worth Rs54.27 crore during a raid at a food-processing unit in Khalapur. In Navi Mumbai, raids were held in Turbhe and Taloja areas too.
No arrests have been made so far.