Bengaluru: In a significant enforcement initiative against public smoking, the North Division Police of Bengaluru City registered 40 cases under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) and imposed fines on 295 individuals during a targeted operation across the division.
The operation, which began on the evening of March 6 and extended into the early hours of March 7, spanned all 13 police station areas in the North Division. Police teams conducted surprise inspections in public places where smoking is prohibited, taking action against those violating the law by consuming tobacco products.
In addition to monitoring public smoking, police also inspected shops and commercial establishments for illegal advertisements of cigarettes and beedis, taking necessary steps against violators of the COTPA Act. Fines were levied on individuals found smoking in restricted areas.
Under the supervision of Bengaluru Cityโs Commissioner of Police and the Joint Commissioner of Police (West), the operation was led by Deputy Commissioner of Police B.S. Nemagouda, IPS, from the North Division. The enforcement drive involved collaboration among Assistant Commissioners of Police from three sub-divisions, Police Inspectors from all 13 stations, Police Sub-Inspectors, and additional staff, working together to ensure compliance with the law.
Police officials emphasized that this operation aims to reinforce tobacco control laws and safeguard public health by discouraging smoking in designated non-smoking areas throughout the city.
