Madikeri: Kodagu SP K Ramarajan instructed the coffee and pepper traders to obtain information from the people who come to sell while purchasing coffee and pepper in the district. He linked the directive to the prevention of theft of coffee and pepper crops in the district.Traders should obtain the necessary information from the sellers; otherwise, legal action will be taken, he stated in a release.Pointing at the harvest season, he said several cases were registered in various police stations regarding the theft of commercial crops after harvesting. In this context, as a precautionary measure, instructions have been given to the local police station officers to collect complete information about coffee and pepper traders.While buying the crop, coffee and pepper traders in the district should collect complete information, including the name, address, mobile number, transaction details, weight, and amount of produce being sold by the seller. If there is any doubt about the seller during the purchase, it is advised to get a photograph of such persons, check their background, and deal with them carefully, the IPS officer said.If there is any doubt during the transaction, the local police station should be informed. If it is found during verification that records of the specified details are not being maintained, the commercial tax department will be informed against such persons, and a case will be registered against the businessmen, considering the fact that the transaction without maintaining any records is intentionally getting stolen goods at a low price. He warned that this crime is punishable by imprisonment for 3 to 10 years along with a fine.If any suspicion arises for coffee and pepper growers regarding the sale transactions, they can call the emergency helpline 112 and provide information.
