Mangaluru, Sep 7: The multi-state areca co-operative, Central Areca Marketing and Processing Co-operative (CAMPCO) has issued a stern notice to areca nut traders for misusing its membership cards and posing as farmers to sell spurious areca nuts to CAMPCO branches.

In a statement, CAMPCO has stated that some traders, who have established good relationships with farmers, are misusing CAMPCO membership cards to pose as farmers and sell arecanut at its branches. Recently, a trader, taking advantage of a farmer’s card, attempted to sell low-quality areca nuts from Burma (Myanmar) by mixing them with local areca nuts at the CAMPCO Puttur branch.

Fortunately, due to the alertness and diligence of our officials, this deceit was uncovered.

ALSO READ: Udupi: Medical student admitted to hospital after falling from moving train

"In light of this incident, we earnestly request all our farmer members not to encourage any such fraudulent activities. Please ensure that your membership cards are not misused by anyone. Failing to be vigilant in this matter could lead to serious consequences for the stability of local arecanut prices," it stated.

"If buyers from North India become aware of this type of areca nut being mixed with the local product, they may stop purchasing from this region altogether," it added.

It has urged all members to be extremely cautious and avoid falling into such fraudulent schemes.

Get all the latest, breaking news from Mangaluru and Dakshina Kannada in a single click. CLICK HERE to get all the latest news from Mangaluru.

Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.



Kolkata (PTI): Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee cut short her speech at a rally in her Bhabanipur constituency, alleging that the BJP was deliberately playing loud music from a nearby public meeting.

A peeved Banerjee said despite having the required permission of the Election Commission, her rally in Chakraberia was disrupted by the BJP, "who want to capture Bengal by intimidation and threat".

"It is not possible for me to go ahead with this meeting. If they can do such a thing in my constituency, imagine how undemocratic the BJP is. If they behave like this, I have to take legal action," she said.

"This is an insult, humiliation. BJP is stepping on our toes to instigate trouble. Not possible to address the gathering in this situation. I am leaving the stage. Please vote for me in your protest," she added.

Banerjee was then seen calling someone over and venting her grievances.

Before leaving the stage, she said, "I will hold a rally tomorrow at the same spot."

TMC supporters then rushed towards the BJP rally, which was later addressed by Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, but security personnel intervened and prevented the situation from escalating.

TMC workers later staged a demonstration outside the local police station and filed a complaint, alleging that the BJP violated the model code of conduct.

A senior TMC leader said another complaint will also be lodged with the Election Commission.

Asked about Banerjee's allegations, Adhikari told reporters after the rally he held nearby, "Her reaction shows she is nervous about the imminent loss."

"There was no violence, no obstruction in her meeting and her behaviour shows her nervousness. On May 4, people of Bhabanipur will celebrate the victory of the BJP," he claimed, alleging that the TMC also tried to disrupt his meeting by playing loud music.

South Kolkata's Bhabanipur, one of the battleground seats in the West Bengal elections, will vote in the second phase on April 29.