In a decisive move to combat a surge in coffee thefts, the Hassan district police in Karnataka have issued a strict set of guidelines for local traders. The new directives aim to choke the market for stolen coffee beans by making buyers legally accountable.
New Mandatory Documentation for Traders
The police department, taking the thefts very seriously, has ordered all coffee traders to maintain meticulous records of their purchases. Sakleshpura DSP Maltesh has directed that regardless of the quantity, traders must now collect and keep a copy of the seller's Aadhaar card, mobile number, and land RTC (Record of Rights, Tenancy and Crops) document. Every trader is required to maintain a detailed register noting who brought the coffee, their address, and the number of bags sold.
Severe Legal Consequences for Non-Compliance
The warning from the police is unequivocal. Legal action will be initiated against any trader found purchasing coffee without obtaining the mandated documentation. The officer stated that if an arrested thief informs the police that they sold stolen beans at a particular shop, a case will be filed against the buyer without hesitation. Furthermore, police will recommend to the local government agency to cancel the trading license of the offender.
"The trader should inform police if there is any suspicion about the person selling coffee beans," DSP Maltesh urged. He emphasized that coffee is grown with significant effort and investment throughout the year, and neither police nor citizens should allow thieves to steal the annual harvest. The public was asked to help by providing information about such illegal activities.
Planters' Demands for Enhanced Security
While welcoming the police initiative, local coffee planters have put forth additional demands. They have requested police to intensify night patrolling in rural plantation areas and to inspect suspicious vehicles more rigorously. The planters also urged the authorities to instil confidence by ensuring that legal action is swiftly taken against the accused in previous theft cases, demonstrating a firm and consistent stance against the crime.
The theft problem peaks during the harvesting season, when thieves sneak into plantations to steal coffee beans directly from plants, drying yards, and storage warehouses. The new rules aim to disrupt this cycle by making it extremely risky for anyone to trade in stolen produce.
