BELAGAVI: Pharmaceutical drugs were being sold at kumkum bhandar and grocery shops at Yellammanagudda near Saudatti. This was discovered by officials during a raid by the Yellamma Temple Development Authority, led by its secretary Prabhavati Fakkirpura.
The officials found that no expiry date was printed on cool drink bottles and food packets sold in many shops. Some shops were conducting business without valid licence and without renewing licence.
Hotels were also found to be using rotten vegetables for cooking. The electricity and water connections of shops violating rules have been cut and the owners issued a warning of disciplinary action if it continues. Lakhs of devotees visit the hill temple and purchase various items. No trader should cheat, customers, the officials warned the traders.
Belagavi district Deputy Commissioner Mohammed Roshan said, “Officials received information about traders giving adultrated food in Yellamma temple premises. The temple authority secretary went there and raided some shops. It was found that the temple wall was broken to make a big hall and cooking was being done in unhygienic conditions. A toilet was broken and made store room. Thus we have taken strict action. I have instructed the officials to file FIRs on those violating rules. It is not right to play wih the faith of devotees”.
On sale of expired food, the DC said, “I will instruct the food inspector to raid everywhere. We have taken measures that chemicals should not be mixed in turmeric or kumkum. It has come to light that medicines are sold in shops. We will file FIR on those who did this, then food inspector will take action. I will go to the spot personally and take action”.
