Barnala bidders protest delay in shop auction

Barnala, November 2

Alleging delay in the auction of 20 shops constructed on the government land, shopkeepers along with farmers have laid siege to the Block Development and Panchayat Office (BDPO) in Mehal Kalan.

“Bidders are ready to deposit the required amount, but still there is no auction. We have gheraoed the BDPO office over the issue,” said Jasir Chhiniwal, a farmer leader.

Around 76 bidders have deposited Rs 50,000 each to participate in auction. But some bidders have demanded their money back due to Covid-induced financial woes.

“Since some bidders have withdrawn, we would have to cancel the auction and restart it. But shopkeepers are compelling us to go ahead with the process. It’s not possible,” said Bhushan Kumar, BDPO, Mehal Kalan. — OC