Fatehgarh Sahib, August 09, 2018: The residents of Sirhind-Fatehgarh Sahib are facing acute shortage of vegetables and fruits as the entire fruit and vegetable Commission agents falling under the jurisdiction of Market Committee Sirhind-Fatehgarh Sahib have gone on indefinite strike in protest against the alleged forcible demand of bribe by the officials of Market Committee Sirhind.
The situation is likely to aggravate further as the Rehri owners and vendors selling vegetables and fruits have also extended their support to striking commission agents and decided not sell vegetable and fruits from tomorrow on wards.
The commission agents sat on dharna in fruit and vegetable market and raised slogans against the Market Committee officials. They also submitted memorandum to Deputy Commissioner in this regard.
While talking to media persons Baljit Singh president of Fruit & Vegetable Commission agent’s Association said that on 6th August Secretary of Market Committee Gagandeep Singh and auction recorder Joginder Singh called him to his office and demanded Rs.84000/- as bribe as they have to oblige higher officials. He said he expressed his inability to pay such hefty amount. He alleged that they threatened him to face the consequences.
He said next day on 7th August a team of Market Committee officials led by Kulwant Singh Mandi Officer comprising Secretary, auction recorder and others raided his shop Amnan Aloo Company and took the books and other record in custody, which has not been returned yet. He said in the protest all the commission agents criticized the high handedness and decided to close their shops and auction and went on indefinite strike. He demanded that till the officials demanding bribe are not suspended they will not resume the auction of fruits and vegetables.
When contacted Gagandeep Singh Secretary Market Committee, he refuted all the allegation of demanding bribe, he said they conducted surprise checking as revenue from auction was decreasing. He said they took the record of Aman Aloo Company in custody as his servant was trying to flee with record.
Kulwant Singh Mandi Officer said that they took the record in custody and he directed the Secretary to return the record after scrutiny. He said he has asked Commission agents to furnish Affidavit regarding demand of bribe, he will get it enquired.
Kuljit Singh Nagra MLA said that after proper enquiry no corrupt official will be spared.
Meanwhile the opposition leaders Bir DEvinder Singh, Didar Singh Bhatti of SAD(B), BJP and AAP leaders have started extending support to striking commission agents.