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RAWALPINDI, Jul 23 (APP):About 39 persons were arrested during crackdown against the sugar mafia carried out on the instructions of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz across the Rawalpindi Division in last 24 hours for violating the notified sugar rate of Rs 173 per kilogram.
A total of 139 violations of the notified sugar rate were reported, with a fine of Rs 761,000 imposed, two first information reports (FIRs) registered and 33 points of sale sealed across the division, a DPR news release said on Wednesday.
According to the break-up, 64 violations were found during the checking in the Rawalpindi District, with 25 accused nabbed, Rs 542,500 fine imposed, two FIRs filed and 28 points of sale sealed.
Similarly, in the Attock District, a fine of Rs 89,000 was imposed on 22 violations, 10 accused arrested and two points of sale sealed.
In the Jhelum District, a total of Rs 44,000 fine was imposed and five points of sale were sealed on 26 violations.
Likewise, during inspections in the Chakwal District, eight accused were fined a total of Rs 64,000, while Rs 21,500 fine was imposed on 19 persons found involved in violation of the notified sugar rate and one arrested.
Meanwhile, Commissioner Rawalpindi Engineer Amir Khattak directed the deputy commissioners to ensure the sugar mills to sell the commodity at the notified rate and maintain its supply chain.
He vowed that the sugar mafia would not be allowed to exploit the public, directing that the crackdown should be intensified on those violating the notified rate.
“All magistrates should be directed to take indiscriminate action against shopkeepers selling sugar at high rate along with the prices of essential commodities while in the field,” the commissioner said in his directive to the DCs.
Those charging more than the notified rate of sugar should be arrested, he added.
He also instructed the DCs to ensure the availability of all the quality essential items at counters.