West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today said the state government would realise the extra amount from "dishonest" traders who have sold potato at high prices in wholesale markets in the state.
"Whatever extra amount was earned by these dishonest traders would be realised in full from them," Banerjee said while accusing a section of traders of being more interested in earning profits by trying to transport potato to other states even after a ban was imposed on it last week.
"Only after meeting the state's demand, we will think of allowing the produce to be sent to other states," the Chief Minister reiterated.
She said her government would heighten its vigil against hoarding and take stern action against those responsible for creating an artificial crisis of such items.
"The state government is committed to addressing the genuine problems, but will not allow unscrupulous traders to take control of markets and cheat both farmers and the public," she said after inaugurating the Jagadhartri Puja celebrations organised by the Posta Bazar Merchants' Association here.
The state government has pegged the price of potato in retail markets across the city at Rs 13 a kilo.
