Crackdown on tobacco sales near schools, colleges

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: In a special drive, the Bengaluru South Division police targeted and raided shops and other commercial establishments selling tobacco products near schools and other educational institutions in the city.

According to sources, a police team raided at least 48 shops in Jayanagar sub-division limits and following an investigation, registered eight FIRs against violators.

Another team raided 124 shops in Subramanyapura subdivision and imposed fines on 34 shopkeepers for flouting the rules.

Similarly, in VV Puram Police Station limits, at least 21 such shops were raided. The operation was directed by the Deputy Commissioner of Police, South Division, Shivprakash Devaraju.

A total of 11 FIRs were registered with over 57 shops booked under The Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) during the drive, the police said.