Sedha village (Punjab), Sept 20 Food Department authorities of Punjab have raided a godown in Sedha village of Ludhiana and seized sugar worth 8.33 million dollars.

Bharat Bhushan, who belonged to Punjab's Moga district, had taken the godown on rent. When the raiding party asked about the details, he could not furnish the documents of the sugar stocked. He had the permission to stock only 20 tons of sugar.

Amarjeet Singh, duty magistrate, Ludhiana said: "As per the order of the Deputy Commissioner, we raided a huge godown in the outskirts of Sedha village. We broke the lock of the godown and recovered huge stock of sugar. During the festive season, hoarding such a huge quantity of sugar is not allowed."

Assistant food supply officer of Ludhiana, Surinder Kumar Berry said that this was one of the largest seizures in Punjab.

"We have recovered 12, 500 tons of sugar, stocked in 22, 500 sacks, amounting to rupees 400 million. I think, this is the biggest recovery of Punjab," said Berry.

Ahead of a series of festivals lined up during which the consumption of sugar is likely to shoot up, the government has stepped up the vigil to check hoarding of sugar.

Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh has asked the State Governments to enforce limits on stocks that can be held by traders to check hoarding of essential commodities. (ANI)