Pune: In a major operation against the illegal sale of tobacco products near educational institutions, the police took action on Wednesday (January 29), demolishing eight stalls in Hadapsar and Kalepadal. This drive was conducted in collaboration with the Pune Municipal Corporation’s Anti-Encroachment Department following complaints from citizens.

Government regulations strictly prohibit the sale of tobacco products within a 100-meter radius of schools and colleges. However, several complaints were received regarding stalls near educational institutions continuing to sell tobacco, cigarettes, and gutkha in a concealed manner.

During an event in the Magarpatta City area, concerned citizens informed Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar about the presence of tea stalls illegally selling tobacco products near schools. Taking swift action, the Commissioner issued immediate orders to crack down on these stalls.

Under the leadership of Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone 5) Dr. Rajkumar Shinde, police conducted operations in Hadapsar and Kalepadal, demolishing eight stalls with JCB machines.

Near a well-known school in Kalepadal, five paan and tobacco stalls were removed in a joint operation with the Municipal Corporation’s Encroachment Department, overseen by Senior Inspector Manasing Patil of Kalepadal Police Station.

In Magarpatta, police took action against three stalls selling tobacco near a school, following the directives of Senior Inspector Sanjay Mogle. Authorities have noted that several such stalls operate near schools and colleges across Pune and its suburbs, making tobacco products easily accessible to students. Following the Police Commissioner’s orders, a city-wide crackdown on tobacco sales near schools is now underway.