DHANGADHI: A local trader has been fined Rs 200,000 for supplying substandard rice in relief package in Dhangadhi Sub-Metropolitan City-4 during the coronavirus crisis in the country.

Authorities had requested the concerned department to probe into the matter after locals complained about the quality of rice.

Yogendra Chand, the market monitoring officer of the metropolis, said, the Food Technology and Quality Control Office (FTQCO) carried out the inspection of distributed items, today.

As per the Consumer Protection Act, 2018, we have booked the local trader for involvement in supplying substandard rice, said inspector Kamal Bahadur Pun at the office of consumer protection, Dhangadhi.

Pun further said that law grants them the authority to shut the business and take further actions if the trader does not submit fine within seven days.

"We will take action against anyone involved in anomalies," said FTQCO Dhangadhi Inspector Deepak Kunwar.

Dhangadhi Sub-Metropolitan Office had given the contract to Thakur Trade Link Pvt Ltd to supply items during the nationwide government-imposed lockdown.