LMD raids rythu bazaars in Andhra Pradesh, six vendors in Visakhapatnam booked

VISAKHAPATNAM: Officials of the legal metrology department (LMD) conducted raids at rythu bazaars across the state on Sunday to verify the weighing machines being used by vendors, especially sellers of meat and fish. As many as 38 cases were booked against vendors for using unauthorised weighing machines and modes to weigh items.

The raids were conducted in Vijayawada, Visakahapatnam, Guntur, Tirupati and Kurnool. Special teams were deployed at 42 markets across these cities.


In Visakhapatnam , six vendors were booked for using weighing instruments which did not have the department’s certification and seals.

The department formed two teams, comprising deputy controllers and assistant controllers of Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram, Srikakulam districts and their staff, on the directions of M Kantharao, IG and controller of legal metrology department. While one team conducted raids at a rythu bazaar in MVP Colony, another raided the fish market near RTC complex.

Following the raids, officials used a display unit to educate consumers on probable irregularities, which vendors resort to. One audio unit was used to announce rules of weighing and another audio unit was used to encourage consumers to lodge complaints with the department.

An exhibition unit was also set up to display standard and non-standard weights and weighing instruments to sensitise consumers; a test check unit was set up to help consumers re-check the weight of their purchases.

The consumers can either message the department on 9490165611, or call 08662540303 or email at Clm-ap@nic.in or log on to web www.Aplm.gov.in.