The Enforcement Branch (EB) of Kolkata police on Friday carried out inspections against hoarding of potatoes at several vegetable markets in the city on Friday.

The teams, however, did not find any irregularities. “At the moment, it seems to be normal. No signs of hoarding were noticed. A study is on to understand the stock and demand situation better,” said Deputy Commissioner (EB) Chanchal Dutta.

The inspections were carried out in Gariahat, Burrabazar, Park Circus, Shyambazar, Maniktala, Jadhubabur Bazar, Charu market, Janbazar.

“The big sellers were inspected for hoarding. The checks were also carried out to find the amount of potato stocks,” Dutta said.

This comes after the state government said on Thursday that it would sell potatoes through Essential Commodities Supply Corporation (ECSC) and consumer cooperatives to control potato prices, which had touched Rs 20 a kg in some markets. The government has announced to sell potatoes at Rs 13 a kg and each person would be allotted two kg.

Sources in the EB said that they were currently focusing on potato dealers and also on supply lines to see if there are any irregularities or possible hoarding. “Foodgrains such as rice and wheat already have control orders regarding stocking. We expect a control order on sugar from the state government, but it is not confirmed,” sources said.

Earlier, the control orders were issued by the Central and state governments on several commodities listed under the Essential Commodities Act regarding their stocking and sale. The control orders empowered the Enforcement Branch to conduct checks and raids on suspected hoarders of essential commodities. However, with the increase in food security, most control orders have been withdrawn.