KATHMANDU, Sept 19: Bentley and Subodh retail (Store One) have not submitted necessary documents to the Department of Supply Management and Protection of Consumers Interest (DSMPCI) for further investigation.  

The stores were sealed during market monitoring by DSMPCI along with nine other stores namely Puma, NIKE, Labels store, Rebook, Levi's, Lions style enterprises, the Bossini products, Sulux centre and Rado watches after they were found overcharging consumers in the products. Of the eleven stores, nine stores were situated in Durbarmarg and the rest two were situated in New Road. 

Laxman Shrestha, director and spokesperson at the DSMPCI said, “All the stores except Bentley and Subodh retail have submitted the necessary documents for investigation.” The DSMPCI had sealed the stores and directed them to appear in the department with necessary documents to record their statement within three working days. 

The stores claim to be selling branded clothes, footwear, apparels, shoes and accessories. Some of the stores were found overcharging and some had failed to produce the procurement invoice. He said that if the stores have enough proof to overrule of the allegation, their stores can be reopened. “The investigation is going on and the decision about what will happen is unknown until the result is out.” Shrestha said. 

The stores around Durbarmarg had stayed closed on September 7 to show alliance to the sealed stores and to press the government to halt its 'sudden and random' market monitoring. The protest was discontinued after few days. They resumed their business stating that the step was taken keeping the upcoming Dashain and Tihar festivals in the view. 

“The cases will be filed to court if the stores cannot produce enough proof regarding the accusation during the investigation,” Shrestha told Republica. “The stores are closed at the moment as the investigation is going on.”