After 22 surveillance visits, paan shop owner worker in Hyderabad caught selling cigarettes to minorsHyderabad: A 65-year-old paan shop owner and his 19-year-old worker were caught red-handed allegedly selling cigarettes to two minors, aged 14 and 17. The action was taken in Old Bowenpally after the Telangana EAGLE Force conducted 22 surveillance visits to the shop.
Citizen complaint triggers surveillance:
The operation followed a complaint received by the EAGLE Force alleging that two paan shops near Nimra Café, Gowri Nagar, Old Bowenpally, opposite New Grammar School, were selling cigarettes and tobacco products to children.
The complaint also alleged that the shops operated from 6 am to midnight, with minor boys frequently gathering there during the evening to purchase cigarettes. After verifying the complaint, the EAGLE Force team kept a close watch on the shops and made 22 visits to catch the operators in the act.
Two minors caught buying cigarettes:
On the evening of August 30, the team allegedly caught two boys, aged 14 and 17, while they were purchasing cigarettes. The incident was recorded on video as evidence, according to the EAGLE Force.Raid on Limra Pan Mahal
Following the incident, the EAGLE Force, in coordination with Bowenpally Police of the Malkajgiri Commissionerate, raided Limra Pan Mahal. The shop owner, Md. Yusuf Uddin Goury (65), and his worker, Md. Rehan Ali (19), were arrested, the EAGLE Force said.
Cigarettes worth Rs 60,000 seized:
During the raid, officials seized around 10 brands of cigarettes and tobacco products valued at approximately Rs 60,000.
The seized brands included Marlboro, American, Classic, Edition Gold Flake and Chams Flake, among others.
Case booked under COTPA, Juvenile Justice Act. The accused and the seized material were handed over to Bowenpally Police for further legal action.
A case was registered under Section 6 of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003, and Section 77 of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015.
Further investigation is on.
EAGLE Force appeals to public:
The EAGLE Force urged tobacco vendors and shop owners to strictly follow the law and refrain from selling cigarettes or tobacco products to children.
It also appealed to parents, teachers and members of the public to remain vigilant and report such violations to the authorities.
The agency said citizen complaints and sustained surveillance play a crucial role in preventing children from gaining access to tobacco products. It warned that strict action would be taken against establishments found selling tobacco products to minors.
