Kodagu Police Issue Strict Advisory to Curb Coffee and Pepper Theft
- Kodagu Express Bureau
- 13 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Madikeri: The Kodagu district police have issued a detailed advisory to coffee and pepper traders across the district, asking them to strictly verify and document seller details amid a rise in complaints of theft during the ongoing harvest season.
In a statement, K. Ramarajan, Superintendent of Police, said several cases have been registered at different police stations in Kodagu involving the theft of harvested coffee and pepper from storage locations. With harvesting activity at its peak, the police said there was a heightened risk of stolen produce being illegally sold in local markets.
As a preventive step, the district police have instructed local station officials to convene meetings with coffee and pepper traders, brief them on precautionary measures, and collect complete details of all traders operating in the district. The advisory makes it clear that traders play a crucial role in preventing the circulation of stolen agricultural produce.
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According to the police, all coffee and pepper traders are now required to collect and maintain comprehensive details of sellers at the time of purchase. These include the seller’s name, address, mobile phone number, transaction particulars, weight of the produce, and the amount paid. Traders have also been asked to remain alert during transactions. In cases where any suspicion arises, they have been advised to photograph the individual, verify the seller’s background, and proceed with due caution.
The police have made it mandatory for traders to maintain proper records of all transactions. The statement warned that if any suspicion arises during sale or purchase, the matter must be immediately reported to the nearest police station. During inspections, if local police officers find that traders have failed to maintain the prescribed records, the information will be forwarded to the GST Department for further action.
The advisory further cautioned that transactions carried out without proper documentation would be treated as the intentional purchase of stolen goods at undervalued prices. In such cases, action will be initiated under Sections 317(2) and 317(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Offenders could face imprisonment ranging from three to ten years, along with fines, subject to the orders of a competent court.
In addition, the police have appealed to coffee and pepper growers and members of the public to remain vigilant. If any suspicious persons are noticed during sale or purchase transactions, or around storage areas, they have been urged to immediately call the emergency helpline 112. Police personnel, the statement said, would promptly reach the spot and take necessary action.
Information about suspicious activities can also be shared with the local police station or through the Karnataka State Police digital platforms. The police assured that the identity of informants would be kept strictly confidential, and sought the cooperation of traders and the public to curb theft and illegal trade in the district.
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