KSE finds fault with police
The Hindu
Minister for RDPR K.S.Eshwarappa has found fault with Shivamogga police who took action against shopkeepers, for selling cigarettes violating the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COPTA). Mr.
Minister for RDPR K.S.Eshwarappa has found fault with Shivamogga police who took action against shopkeepers, for selling cigarettes violating the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COPTA). Mr. Eshwarappa, who is also in charge of Shivamogga district, has instructed the police not to punish the shopkeepers, stating that they (the police) would attract his wrath if they did not follow his instruction.
A delegation of shopkeepers had met the Minister in Shivamogga on Friday. The Minister had spoken to a police officer over the telephone on this issue. A video clip of his telephonic conversation, with the speaker turned on, has gone viral.
The Minister is seen enquiring with the police about their action against shopkeepers who sold cigarettes. When the officer at the other end tried to convince the Minister that they were acting as per the COPTA, Mr. Eshwarappa wondered if there was a law prohibiting shops from selling cigarettes. He also wanted to know if the law was being implemented only in Shivamogga.