Kolkata, Apr 9 (IANS): The West Bengal government has revoked the permit of 28 ration dealers for allegedly giving inadequate amount of commodities to people and ordered filing of FIRs against those forcibly snatching the items for free distribution among the public during the Covid-19 pandemic, a senior minister said on Thursday.

Soon after the lockdown was announced on March 23, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said the economically poor sections will be given free rice and wheat flour. However, complaints had poured in from various parts of the state that the cardholders were not getting adequate amount of the goods.

"I was getting these allegations against ration dealers from various parts of the state. I have scrapped the permits of 28 rations dealers and given the responsibility to others," Food and Supplies Minister Jyotipriyo Mullick said.

There were also allegations against various political parties of intimidating ration dealers and forcibly taking away rice for free distribution among people for getting mileage.

"I have ordered filing of FIRs against such unscrupulous persons. We won't tolerate this. The local police and administration have also been alerted," Mullick added.