A major controversy erupted in Kotulpur, Bankura, on Tuesday after a private cold storage unit announced its closure despite having space for 5,000 bags of potatoes. Frustrated by the sudden decision, local farmers blocked the Bishnupur-Arambagh State Highway, leading to massive traffic snarls and high tension in the area.

The Bone of Contention: With potato prices crashing in the open market, farmers are desperate to store their produce to avoid losses. They alleged that the authorities were intentionally keeping the remaining space vacant to accommodate big traders later. Following the road blockade, the Kotulpur Police intervened and instructed the management to fill the remaining capacity with farmers’ produce immediately. The management eventually relented, assuring that the 5,000 bags would be accepted, after which the protest was called off.