In a decisive crackdown on the illegal sale of tobacco, the Trichy district police arrested four shopkeepers on Thursday. The individuals were taken into custody for allegedly selling banned tobacco products in their respective localities.
Details of the Arrested Individuals
The police identified the four accused persons. A Jothiraman, aged 56, is a resident of Kanakiliyanallur. The second accused is T Munthiriammal, 60, from Neikuppai. The other two men arrested are R Thamodharan, 48, from Maruvathur and P Perumal, 56, from Valanadu. The arrests were made following specific inputs and surveillance.
Legal Action Under COTPA Act
Authorities have booked the four shopkeepers under the stringent Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (COTPA) Act. This legislation regulates the advertisement, promotion, and sale of tobacco products in India. After their arrest, the accused were presented before a local magistrate. The court subsequently ordered them to be remanded in judicial custody as the investigation proceeds.
Ongoing Investigation and Wider Implications
The Trichy police have confirmed that the investigation into this case is actively ongoing. Officers are looking to determine the supply chain and source of the banned tobacco products. Such enforcement actions highlight the continued vigilance of law enforcement against public health violations. The crackdown sends a strong message to retailers about the serious consequences of flouting tobacco sale laws designed to protect community health.
