Kolkata, Sep 3 (IANS): Kolkata Police Enforcement Branch (EB) officials on Thursday carried out extensive drives in various city markets to control the skyrocketing price of daily essential items amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

The officials visited busy marketplaces like Burrabazar and Maniktala in north Kolkata to enquire about the price of potato and other vegetables.

According to sources, there was an altercation between the traders and EB officials at Maniktala market as the latter refused to comply with the selling rate of potatoes set by the government.

"They are selling potatoes at Rs 32 per kg to customers. We have found out that they are procuring it at a price of Rs 22 per kg at the most. We have told them that from Friday, they will have to sell it at Rs 27 per kg at the most. They were not ready to agree with the new price point, citing heightened transport cost owing to the lockdown," an official said.

The EB officials said that strict action would be taken if any trader is found selling the items at higher price. He said that similar raids would also be taken in other markets in Kolkata.