Sacks of salt kept outside shops at two locations here were reportedly looted by unidentified men amid rumours about shortage of the essential commodity. However, no complaint has been registered so far, police said.
According to people present during the incident, the incidents took place at Sabji Mandi (vegetable market) and Jiwajigang Market under Kotwali Police Station area around midnight. Masked men in pick-up vehicles came to the two markets, where shopkeepers keep gunny bags of salt outside their outlets at night, and looted those, the witnesses said.
On getting information about the loot, some traders residing nearby, rushed to the spot and chased the masked men but they managed to escape.
“The shopkeepers have not yet reported about the loot. If they approach us we will investigate the matter,” Kotwali Police Station Inspector Ajay Chanana said.
Two days ago, the Centre had dismissed rumours of shortage of salt in the market and said adequate stocks are available across the country. The Government on Friday assured that there is no shortage of salt in the country and has advised people not to indulge in panic buying.
“We monitor the prices of 22 essential commodities on daily basis. As per the prices reported by Centres from across the country, there has been no increase in price of salt whatsoever,” the department of consumer affairs said in a statement.
The Government's clarification came after reports of panic buying of salt in several parts of country amid rumours of shortage.
According to reports, salt is being sold in some parts at rates as high as Rs 250 per kg. The department of consumer affairs clarified that there is enough salt to meet any unexpected shortage, if any.