Traders seek CP Mishra’s help in frequent cash seizures by police

 

 

 

The police are seizing unaccounted cash as the model code of conduct is in force in the State. But, the seizure is causing panic among the public, especially the trader community in the city. The traders claim that in the wholesale markets they usually deal in cash. Now, due to the seizures by the cops, customers fear carrying cash even for shopping in the markets, said a trader. Besides, they also fear of getting highlighted and identified for possessing cash. Anti-social elements may target us in future if they get such information about us, added the trader. Another trader in Zumerati area says that the biggest festival Diwali is round the corner and sale picks up in the season. But, due to such actions the footfall has been affected this year, he said.

 

The Bhopal Chamber of Commerce and Industries has written a letter to the Bhopal Police Commissioner seeking relaxation for the traders in checks. In the letter, the office-bearers of the organisation claim that there are chances of becoming target of anti-social elements in future. If our cash is seized and the news is circulated around, there are chances that such elements may track us in future for money, says Tejkulpal Singh Pali, President of the organisation.

He says that there is relaxation by the Income Tax Department for carrying cash up to Rs 2.50 lakh but the cops are even taking action on smaller amounts, he claimed. One of my relatives was recently stopped by the police for possessing Rs 50,000 while she was on her way to the New Market for shopping. Such situations should be avoided by police, demanded Singh.

 

Aditya Manya Jain, General Secretary of the organisation, claims that a trader usually carries cash or jewellery. The cops can easily verify their records by contacting the local associations or chamber of commerce. They can take action on finding anything fishy but unnecessarily bothering traders is unfortunate, he said. Not only the traders but also the customers are reluctant to reach the markets for bulk purchase now, Jain said. We have requested the Bhopal Police Commissioner Mishra to instruct the policemen to be sensitive in this regard, Jain added.