Shruti Suman
As the nation grapples with skyrocketing tomato prices, a gripping headline has captured the nation’s attention: a truck carrying precious tomatoes from Karnataka’s Kolar to Rajasthan’s Jaipur has mysteriously vanished into thin air. The tomatoes, worth a staggering Rs 21 lakh, embarked on their journey on July 27 but have yet to reach their intended destination.
The owner of Mehat Transport in Kolar, where the truck belongs, promptly filed a complaint about the truck’s baffling disappearance. Adding to the intrigue, attempts to reach the driver have proven futile since the incident, leaving everyone scratching their heads.
Authorities suspect foul play, focusing their attention on the driver and the cleaner of the truck. They believe that not only the vehicle but also the valuable cargo may have been stolen. As the investigation unfolds, tensions rise, and questions remain unanswered.
In a parallel incident that reads like a real-life mystery novel, unidentified culprits reportedly made off with tomatoes worth Rs 1.5 lakh from a farm in Karnataka’s Hassan district in July. The unfortunate farmer, upon arriving at his farm, was stunned to find his entire tomato harvest had vanished into thin air. The cunning thieves had swiftly filled approximately 50-60 bags with tomatoes worth a small fortune before disappearing without a trace.
Meanwhile, the tomato saga continues in Tamil Nadu, where wholesale prices have reached a staggering Rs 200 per kilogram in the state capital. Certain retail shops are selling tomatoes at Rs 185 per kilogram, with traders warning that prices may soar to Rs 250 per kg within a week.
The tomato frenzy isn’t limited to Tamil Nadu; Delhi-NCR has also experienced an unprecedented hike in tomato prices. Formerly costing a modest Rs 20-30 per kilogram, tomatoes are now selling at a jaw-dropping Rs 110-160 per kilogram. The price surge has even led fast-food giant Subway to make a bold move – they’ve temporarily removed tomatoes from their menu to cope with the disruptions in the tomato supply chain caused by quality concerns.
A Delhi airport terminal’s Subway outlet exemplified this decision, politely informing its customers about the “Temporary Unavailability of TOMATOES.” The store explained that the suspension was due to the challenge of sourcing tomatoes that meet their stringent quality standards.
With the disappearance of the truck and the mysterious tomato theft, the nation finds itself embroiled in an unexpected veggie whodunit, leaving people wondering if there’s more to this tale than meets the eye.
NI Bureau
