Idukki: The inspection of shops has been intensified under the leadership of the District Collector in connection with Onam. The test is aimed at controlling the rise in the prices of everyday commodities and preventing black market and smothering. The inspection will continue in the coming days also, said District Collector Dr. Dinesan informed Cheruvattu.

The inspection was carried out by forming a squad comprising officials from the Public Distribution Department, Legal Metrology, Police, Revenue and Food Safety Departments. On Wednesday, 16 shops were inspected and irregularities were detected in three places. The Collector said that strict action will be taken if cases of selling adulterated food items are noticed. Collector demanded full cooperation of traders to prevent such attempts.