The Department of Commerce, Supplies and Consumer Protection has inspected 26 firms in a single day with the aim of preventing illegal activities in the market during the election period and protecting consumer rights.

The department has urged firms in the food and fruit business to fully comply with the law, especially by monitoring them. The department has become more active after receiving complaints about problems such as hiding food items, black marketing, and charging higher prices under the pretext of elections.

The department conducted a one-time inspection in the Kuleshwor area on Monday. After finding objections during the inspection, Ramesh Fruit Traders has been asked to present business-related documents to the department within three days. The department has stated that corrective instructions have been given to 25 other firms. The department has been conducting inspections in the presence of local public representatives, consumer rights activists, and stakeholders.