SARGODHA, July 1: Utility stores shut their doors for consumers during the last week of June on the pretext of stocktaking.

A shopkeeper told Dawn that daily use items, including flour, sugar and pulses, were supplied in bulk to shopkeepers in the open market at higher rates, which were shown to be sold to consumers in the annual audit.

Managers of utility stores on College Road and District Courts were seen inside, but they kept the doors locked. Upon inquiry, they said that they were compiling reports that were to be submitted to high-ups.

Some people, including women, at the University Road store protested against the manager, notorious for disposing of flour, sugar and other items in huge quantity to shopkeepers.

Malpractice is rampant in almost all utility stores throughout the district. The management is reportedly involved in black-marketing under the pateronage of a senior official.

When contacted by phone, the regional chief refused to give his version, saying he did not want to waste his time in answering newsmen’s queries.