A delegation of Singhbhum Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), led by president Ashok Bhalotia, on Wednesday met Dhalbhum subdivisional officer (SDO) Chandan Kumar over rising cases of thefts at the Parsudih-based agriculture market yard.

As many as three shops were looted at the agriculture market yard, also referred to as Krishi Utpadan Bazaar Samiti, on February 13.

The intruders took away foodgrains and cash worth over Rs 1 lakh.

Vice-president of the trade outfit, Vijay Anand Moonka, who was part of the delegation said, “Apart from rising cases of thefts and burglary, the agriculture market yard faces several infrastructure glitches. The market yard, which has around 150 shops selling foodgrains, fruits and other edible products, lacks proper drainage system, drinking water facility, toilets and streetlights. It also doesn’t have CCTV cameras and, therefore, turns into a den for criminals after dusk.”

The SCCI delegation handed over a memorandum to the sub-divisional officer and demanded a permanent police outpost at the agriculture market yard to check crime.

The members of the delegation also urged the SDO to direct Parsudih police station to increase the frequency of night patrolling at the agriculture market yard.

The delegation expressed concern over the encroachment problem in Sakchi market.

“The Bata Chowk area is the most congested place. Footpath vendors are the primary cause of congestion. They cause inconvenience for both shopkeepers and shoppers,” Moonka said, adding that they demanded the removal of footpath vendors to free up space for people to move around freely in the market.