Kochi: Police have launched an investigation after 1,360 bags of urea meant for agricultural use were allegedly found stored illegally at a polymer manufacturing factory at Pulluvazhi near here, officials said on Sunday.
The seizure was made on July 23 after the Agricultural Officer of Rayamangalam Krishi Bhavan received a tip-off and inspected the factory premises, where the bags of urea were found stored.
Kuruppampady police registered a case against Ihsanul Rahman K S, proprietor of Abson Polymers, based on a complaint lodged by the Agricultural Officer.
Police said the seized urea was meant exclusively for agricultural purposes and is supplied to farmers at highly subsidised rates. Its sale and use for commercial purposes are prohibited.
According to the police, the accused allegedly procured large quantities of the subsidised fertiliser and used it in the manufacturing process at the factory.
The accused claimed that he procured urea for making gum used in plywood manufacturing.
A case has been registered under various provisions of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, and the Fertiliser (Control) Order, 1985.
Police said a detailed investigation is underway to ascertain how such a large quantity of subsidised agricultural urea was procured.
Officials said the seizure comes at a time when there is a shortage of urea in the market.
Samples of the seized fertiliser have been sent to the Agriculture Department's laboratory to assess its quality, police added.
