Jaggery prices have surged from Rs.40 to Rs.60 per kg ahead of the Sammakka Saralamma Jatara, with traders accused of forming a syndicate to exploit rising demand. Devotees have urged officials to curb overpricing and conduct surprise inspections.
In the first incident, Maripeda police arrested four persons and seized Rs 12.40 lakh worth 120 quintals of black jaggery and four quintals of alum on Tuesday.
