Howrah Police raids shops selling tobacco near schools, fines traders for COTPA violations

Howrah City Police, led by ACP Amarjeet Hoda, conducted a series of raids targeting shops in Bali, Belur, and Nischinda police station areas on charges of violating the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA). These shops were found selling tobacco products, including cigarettes, bidis, and gutkha, within a 100-yard radius of educational institutions such as schools and colleges. According to COTPA, tobacco products cannot be sold within this distance of educational premises to prevent youth exposure to tobacco and reduce the risk of addiction.

During the operation, the police issued fines to the shopkeepers found in violation of the law. These fines were intended as a warning, and the traders were informed that if they continued to violate COTPA, more severe actions, including potential legal proceedings, would be taken against them. The police action followed reports that tobacco products were being sold openly to students, increasing the likelihood of addiction among minors.

The raids are part of a broader initiative by local authorities to enforce COTPA more strictly. ACP Amarjeet Hoda confirmed that additional monitoring would take place in these areas to prevent further violations. In total, multiple shops were inspected, and traders were cautioned about the consequences of repeated violations. The police plan to continue their efforts to ensure that tobacco products are not sold near educational institutions, and further raids are expected in the coming weeks to ensure compliance with the law.