Rights activist Radhakanta Tripathy from Bhadrak moved the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) over black-marketing, hoarding and artificial shortages of essential commodities in State after severe cyclone Phailin swept through the State and caused large scale devastations.
Tripathy approached the commission to intervene in the matter and do something on war footing to provide relief.
The prices of essential commodities like vegetables, candles and grocery items skyrocketed suddenly days before and after the gale hit the State. Rampant hoarding of grocery and essential commodities like rice, dal, salt, sugar and potato led to steep rise in their prices.
The inaction of the Government in checking the unethical practices multiplied the woes of the consumers. lakhs of panicky villagers in low-lying areas fled villages leaving away their houses and valuables. Tripathy contended that the State Government should provide security to the belongings of the victims.
Failure of the Government in controlling hoarding and black marketing helped the unscrupulous traders to earn huge profit. At this juncture, the Government should ensure essential commodities at fair prices, the petitioner pointed out.