Gujarat Raids 332 Shops Ahead of Janmashtami, Widespread Cheating in Weights

Ahmedabad | Gujarat  — Just days before Janmashtami festivities, the Gujarat government’s Office of Legal Metrology and Consumer Affairs has exposed large-scale malpractice in shops selling sweets, dry fruits, farsan, and gifts. In a massive statewide campaign on Thursday, officials raided 332 establishments across 25 districts, filing cases against 126 units for cheating customers and violating mandatory trade regulations. A total of ₹5,91,500 was collected in settlement fees, with further investigations underway.

Deputy Controllers, Assistant Controllers, and Inspectors from the department carried out the inspections. Violations ranged from giving less weight than charged, using unverified weighing scales, failing to display verification certificates, selling products without proper stamping, and operating without mandatory packer registration.

“During festivals like Janmashtami, consumer spending peaks, and unfortunately, so does cheating in weights and measures,” a senior department official said. “Our priority is to protect consumers from such frauds and make them aware of their rights.”

The raids come at a time when sweets, dry fruits, and gift items are in high demand, making them a lucrative target for unscrupulous traders. The department noted that festival-time fraud is a recurring problem, and surprise checks are necessary to ensure compliance.

“We have zero tolerance for those who exploit consumers’ trust during festive seasons,” said a spokesperson for the Consumer Affairs Office. “This campaign is not just about enforcement but also about spreading awareness among citizens.”

The Legal Metrology Department emphasized that customers should always check for verification marks on weighing scales, look for the packer’s registration number on packaged goods, and ensure they receive correct weight and quantity. Officials warned that follow-up inspections will continue until after Janmashtami to deter repeat offenders.