Tricks by traders burn a hole in consumers purse

Secunderabad Cantonment: Consumers of commodities ranging from vegetables to gold are being taken for a ride in weights by traders, who take advantage of their gullible nature. They are being forced to part with varying amounts because of the cheating. Officials and staff of the weights and measures department (legal metrology) are preferring to look the other way.

They are accused by consumers of conducting only notional raids once in two or three years. Instances of cheating in weights, including electronic machines, by traders in weekly markets have also come to light, but the department has allegedly failed to act unless complaints are lodged. Variance in weights has also been found in packaged commodities.

Some vegetable retail vendors of Bowenpally market are allegedly giving 100 gm less when customers purchase a kg, and in some cases up to 250 gm less. As if this is not enough, spurious and adulterated items are being sold by traders. No department official seems to be bothered about as customers don't know whom to approach.

Some residents of Cantonment told The Hans India that there has been no vigil on traders by the department staff. In the past, the department officials had conducted raids on some jewellery shops in Cantonment revealing cheating by jewelers giving over half gram less in the sale of 10 gm.