Punjab Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs Minister Bharat Bhushan Ashu today said that following a complaint of black marketing of essential commodities by some wholesalers, District Food & Civil Supplies Controller Mr Sukhwinder Singh Gill today conducted a surprise check in several parts of the city. The surprise checks were carried out in Kesar Ganj Mandi, Kot Mangal Singh and Ghumar Mandi areas of the city.Mr Ashu informed that all DFSCs of the state have been asked to regular visit the wholesale and other shops selling essential commodities and ensure that no person is either hoarding or indulging in black marketing of items. He informed that one wholesaler in Kesar Ganj Mandi was found selling essential commodities at a higher price than the actual price. He said that the DFSC has submitted a complaint with the police to register an FIR against the wholesaler.The Cabinet Minister has warned the wholesalers and shopkeepers of essential commodities to not indulge in hoarding or black marketing of items in this hour of need. He said that if any person is caught indulging in such acts, strict action would be taken against them and an FIR would also be registered against them.Mr Ashu said that soon, the state government would also start distribution of food packets for the needy in the state. He said that Capt Amarinder Singh led Punjab government is keeping a close tab on the entire situation and no person would be allowed to loot its citizens during these testing times.DFSC Mr Sukhwinder Singh Gill informed that another wholesaler of Kot Mangal Singh area was also caught selling essential commodities above their actual price. He said that when the team reached there, the shopkeeper managed to flee from there. He said that the officials of Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs Department have been asked to keep a tab on that person and assured that action would also be taken against him.