LAHORE: Following the price hike of essential commodities, particularly tomato, in the provincial capital, the district administration has finally come out of slumber to ensure availability of tomato on government notified rates. As many as 175 shopkeepers were arrested for hoarding, overcharging and other violations during a crackdown on profiteers on Tuesday. In this connection, several price control magistrates (PCMs), on the special directives of Lahore Deputy Commissioner (DC) Sumair Ahmed Syed, conducted operations in their respective areas to ensure that fruits and vegetables were being sold on government notified rates. At least 810 shops were raided by PCMs. They also issued tickets to several shopkeepers and imposed a fine of Rs 71,400 on profiteers. Meanwhile, the PCMs, using their magisterial powers, sent 44 profiteers to jail, and handed 131 others to police over charges of hoarding and overcharging. They said that profiteers were selling fruits and vegetables on exorbitant rates despite several warning issued to them. Cases were also registered against managers of two superstores in Shadman area for not selling commodities on prescribed rates. The Shalimar town municipal officer (TMO) also registered cases against 13 shopkeepers for selling tomato on exorbitant rates. It may be mentioned that tomatoes, which were being sold at Rs 40 per kg a couple of weeks ago, are being sold at Rs 130-180 per kg, thus creating a shortage of tomatoes in several markets across the city. The deputy commissioner has directed all PCMs to make ensure availability of fruits and vegetables in markets at the prescribed rates. He said that those involved in overcharging and hoarding would be dealt with strictly. He added that PCM were fully active in their respective areas and no one would be allowed to charge extra money from the people.