Tomato truck overturns in central India, leading to mass looting amid skyrocketing prices

July 19, 2024

by Aditi Verma

In a bizarre turn of events, a truck loaded with tomatoes overturned in central India’s Madhya Pradesh prompting locals to loot the spilled produce as tomato prices soar across the country.

The incident took place near Rajaua village in the Bandari police jurisdiction, located along National Highway 44 in Sagar district on July 19.

Visuals showed on the side of the road, that a large truck laden with tomatoes had overturned, spilling its entire load of tomatoes onto the ground. People from the nearby area and passersby flocked to the site, eager to collect the tomatoes.

Men, women, and children, equipped with bags and boxes, were seen scrambling to gather as many tomatoes as they could. The once orderly road was now a flurry of activity, with individuals bending down to pick up the tomatoes.

According to reports a truck carrying tomatoes, identified by registration number RJ 11 GD 0250, was en route from Sagar to Delhi. Unexpectedly, a cow appeared on the highway, causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle in an attempt to avoid hitting the animal. The truck veered off the road and overturned, scattering its precious cargo across the area.

In the aftermath, passersby and local residents seized the opportunity to collect the scattered tomatoes. Motorists passing by stopped their vehicles to fill their boxes and bags with tomatoes. Local men, women, and even children joined in the frenzy, collecting the tomatoes in large quantities.

The police were alerted to the situation, and a team from the Bandari police station, led by Station In-Charge Sumer Singh, was dispatched to the scene. However, by the time they arrived, a significant portion of the tomatoes had already been taken. The truck driver reported that he was overwhelmed by the number of people looting the tomatoes and couldn’t prevent them from doing so.

Despite the police intervention, approximately 6 to 7 quintals of tomatoes were taken. This incident highlights the desperation caused by the soaring prices of tomatoes, which are currently being sold at Rs. 80 to 100 per kilogram in the market.

Police officials have stated that they will take further action if the truck driver files a formal complaint.

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