Jalandhar, Dec. 24 -- The state government has temporarily withheld crushing license of Phagwara-based Golden Sandhar sugar mill, previously known as Wahid-Sandhar Sugars Limited, for the current season over the non-payment of pending arrears amounting Rs.27.74 crores of farmers of 2021-22 crushing season. This decision has created significant hardship for local sugarcane growers, who are now forced to transport their produce to alternative mills in Nawanshahr, Nakodar, and Bhogpur.

The Phagwara mill courted controversies due to financial anomalies and remained on the radar of Punjab vigilance bureau and Enforcement Directorate, which has already initiated legal proceedings against its former management.

The mill has long been mired in ...