Sat Jul 05 13:06:29 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text followed by a rewritten news article:
**Summary:**
Erode district authorities in Tamil Nadu, India, have levied fines totaling ₹1.23 crore on shops selling banned tobacco and nicotine-laced products like gutkha and pan masala. This crackdown, conducted by multiple departments, included inspections near schools and colleges. Repeat offenders face escalating penalties, including hefty fines and closures. Authorities urge the public to report violations, promising confidentiality.
**News Article:**
**Erode Cracks Down on Banned Tobacco Sales, Fines Shops ₹1.23 Crore**
**ERODE, INDIA – July 5, 2025** – Authorities in Erode district, Tamil Nadu, have levied hefty fines of ₹1.23 crore on businesses caught selling banned tobacco and nicotine-laced products, District Collector S. Kandasamy announced today. The crackdown, initiated after a state government ban on products like gutkha and pan masala, involved joint inspections by police, food safety, local bodies, health, and education departments, particularly targeting areas near schools and colleges.
Since January 2025, 461 shops have been sealed for violating the ban, with approximately 778 kg of seized tobacco products destroyed. The district is implementing a strict penalty system for vendors: first-time offenders face a ₹25,000 fine and a 15-day closure; subsequent offenses result in increased fines, longer closures, and potential suspension of food business licenses. To date, 53 legal cases have been filed, with courts imposing fines totaling ₹2.89 lakh.
“We are committed to enforcing the ban on these harmful products to protect our youth and the public,” said District Collector Kandasamy in a statement.
Authorities are urging the public to report any sales of banned tobacco products by calling 0424-2223545. The identities of informants will be kept confidential. Joint inspections and vehicle checks will continue across the district.
First Piper 