Crackdown on tobacco sales near Little Flower School Jamshedpur

Jamshedpur: Acting on the directives of District Magistrate cum Deputy Commissioner Ananya Mittal, a special raid was conducted to curb the illegal sale of tobacco products near schools in the Telco and Golmuri areas. The operation targeted shops within a 100-yard radius of educational institutions, resulting in fines and the confiscation of prohibited items.

The investigation team, led by Executive Magistrate Sudipt Raj and Food Safety Officer Manzar Hussain, inspected areas surrounding Kerala Public School Golmuri, Bari College Golmuri, and Little Flower School Telco. The campaign aimed to enforce regulations that prohibit the sale of tobacco, gutkha, and cigarettes near schools to safeguard students from exposure to harmful substances.

During the raids, shopkeepers found in violation of the rules faced immediate action: A total of five shopkeepers were fined ₹1,000 each for selling tobacco products in restricted zones. Cigarettes, gutkha, and other tobacco products were seized from offending establishments.

The team also checked for statutory warnings on tobacco packaging and issued strict instructions to comply with legal norms.

Shopkeepers were warned of severe consequences if found selling tobacco products near educational institutions in the future. “Legal action will be taken against those who violate these guidelines. This is a step to protect our students and create a healthier environment around schools,” stated a member of the investigation team.

The operation reflects the administration’s commitment to enforcing the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) and ensuring compliance with public health laws. Residents have been urged to report violations to authorities to aid in maintaining a tobacco-free zone around educational institutions.

The raids have sent a clear message to shopkeepers and the community, underscoring the administration’s zero-tolerance policy toward activities that jeopardize student safety and well-being.