Jalpaiguri, Feb. 4: The state legal metrology department, which is entrusted with monitoring the accuracy of weights and measures, is carrying out random checks on weigh bridges and petrol pumps in the district to curb any irregularity.

Raids are also being conducted at various markets in the district to ascertain whether the weights and measures used by the traders are accurate.

“We have taken punitive action against five petrol pump owners for cheating customers with inaccurate measures. The proprietors were allowed to operate only after they paid the penalty,” said S. Sherpa, assistant commissioner of the legal metrology department.

The department is also conducting raids on weigh bridges, most of which are located along the state and national highways.

“Usually, trucks on inter-state routes use these weigh bridges. We have come to know that some of the weigh bridges are tampering with measurements. Steps will be taken against the offenders,” said the assistant commissioner.

“The department has filed 186 cases between April, 2002 and January, 2003. This includes irregularities in weighing scales, pumps, bridges and even weighing machines,” said Sherpa.

The department recently carried out raids in and around Mainaguri town and on Jalpaiguri-Mainaguri highway.

Certain areas in the district headquarters also came under the department’s scanner.

The raids were conducted for four consecutive days last month. In all, 117 cases were filed, which resulted in an equal number of seizures.

“We want to ensure that there is no misappropriation of weights and measures in the district,” said Sherpa. Though the fine imposed on the offenders is “extremely low”, the department earned Rs 2 lakh in penalties in 2002.