GUJRANWALA, July 17: The grain market commission agents and flour mill owners have increased the wheat price from Rs450 to Rs480 per 40 kilograms in the district, raising the 20kg flour bag price from Rs250 to Rs280.

The citizens blame the government for failing to place an effective check on the hoarders, who, they allege, have stored a huge quantity of wheat in their secret godowns, taking advantage of the ‘free hand’ given to them by the authorities concerned.

They demanded the food department teams should conduct raids at the godowns and recover the wheat for its sale at the prices fixed by the government.

ARRESTED: About half dozen dealers were caught red-handed by agricultural department teams while selling spurious pesticides to farmers in Wahando and Kamoki circles on Sunday.