Pan shop owners booked for selling tobacco to schoolchildren in Shankerpally

Pan shop and tea stall owners were booked by the EAGLE Force for selling tobacco products to schoolchildren near an educational institution in Shankerpally following a complaint received through the toll free number 1908.

The action was taken against the owners of ‘Mamu Pan Shop’, ‘Bhupal Tea Stall’ and a general store located near the Telangana Model High School and Junior College. Officials said the establishments were found selling cigarettes and gutka to minors and operating within 100 yards of the school.

Cases were registered at Shankerpally police station under provisions of the COTPA Act and the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015.

In a similar enforcement drive, cases were also registered against pan shop owners in Jadcherla of Mahabubnagar district for operating within the prohibited distance from educational institutions and selling tobacco products to school students. Officials said students identified during the checks were counselled in the presence of their parents and teachers on the ill effects of tobacco use and encouraged to adopt healthier habits.

The EAGLE Force urged shopkeepers to strictly adhere to regulations prohibiting the sale of tobacco products to minors and warned that violations would attract stringent action, including imprisonment and fines.