Pramesh S Jain
Police officials in the North Division of Bengaluru conducted a special enforcement drive against public smoking and violations under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), registering 40 cases and imposing fines on 295 people.
The operation was carried out across 13 police station limits in the North Division from the evening of March 6 until late night and continued into the morning of March 7.
Police teams checked public places where smoking is prohibited and also inspected shops displaying tobacco advertisements near their entrances.
During the drive,cases were booked against individuals found smoking in prohibited public places,and fines were imposed in accordance with provisions of the COTPA Act.
Police officials also inspected commercial establishments and shops suspected of illegally displaying advertisements for cigarettes and other tobacco products.
The special operation was conducted under the guidance of senior officers of Bengaluru City Police and led by B.S.Nemagowda,Deputy Commissioner of Police (North Division),Assistant Commissioners of Police from three sub-divisions,inspectors from 13 police stations, PSIs and other staff participated in the enforcement drive.
Police said such operations will continue to ensure compliance with anti-tobacco regulations and to discourage smoking in public places.
