Flowers, fruits prices soar ahead of Gowri-Ganesha festival in Bengaluru
Bengaluru: As the Gowri-Ganesha festival approaches this week, markets across Bengaluru are witnessing a sharp spike in the prices of flowers and fruits, driven by high festive demand and erratic supply in recent times.
On Sunday, jasmine touched Rs 3,800 per kg, with smaller quantities priced at Rs 40 for just 10 grams, one of the highest prices seen this season. Tube roses, which were being sold for Rs 120–Rs 150/kg in wholesale markets like KR Market, are now retailing at Rs 400/kg in areas such as Basavanagudi and Jayanagar, as reported by The New Indian Express.
Furthermore, fruits are also significantly costlier. Yelakki bananas are retailing at Rs 160 a kg, oranges at Rs 200, and apples at Rs 240-260, each priced at least Rs 30–Rs 40 more than earlier this week. Coconuts and other bananas, essential for puja rituals, are also dearer by at least Rs 40 per piece.
The price hike comes as transport disruptions and rainfall in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh have reduced daily arrivals at city markets. “Truckloads of flowers usually come in daily, but the last few weeks have seen smaller quantities reaching Bengaluru. When supply tightens and demand peaks before festivals, rates shoot up,” TNIE quoted Mutthu M., a wholesale trader at KR Market, as saying.
Retailers further pointed out that they are compelled to pass on increased procurement and logistics costs to consumers, leaving little margin to cushion the impact.
Many families shopping over the weekend reported reducing the quantity of items or opting for cheaper alternatives, with some turning to online grocery apps to compare prices and find better deals.
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Couple, son 'hacked' to death over witchcraft suspicion in Jharkhand's Palamu
Medininagar (PTI): A couple and their 18-year-old son were allegedly hacked to death over suspicion of practising witchcraft in Jharkhand's Palamu, police said on Sunday.
Their minor daughter was also injured in the attack late on Saturday, a police officer said.
The bodies were recovered from their house on Sunday in Panki police station area, he said.
“Initial investigation suggests that the case is related to witchcraft suspicion,” Manoj Kumar Jha, Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) of Lesliganj told PTI.
A manhunt is on to nab the culprits, Jha said.
The girl suffered severe injuries and has been admitted to a government hospital, he said.
The deceased have been identified as Vijay Bhuiyan (45), his wife Kalia Devi (40), and their son Chotu Bhuiyan.
The bodies have been sent to Medinirai Medical College and Hospital (MMCH) for post-mortem examination.
