Mysuru: The District Tobacco Control Cell emerged as the state’s top performer after booking 2,871 cases and collecting Rs 4,69,500 in fines during an intensive enforcement drive from April 2025 to March 2026 under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003.The drive was carried out under the leadership of deputy dommissioner G Lakshmikanth Reddy, chairman of the cell, and district health and family welfare officer Dr PC Kumaraswamy, the member secretary.Acting on the directions of the District Coordination Committee, officials intensified enforcement and awareness campaigns across urban and rural areas. Led by district enforcement officer Gopinath S, teams conducted raids at shops, public places and other high-risk locations.The inspection teams included district consultant Shivakumar, social worker Navidulla Sharif, senior health inspector Mahendra, officials from the health and education departments, and local police. Officials also educated vendors and the public on tobacco laws.Violations detected included public smoking, sale of tobacco products near educational institutions, absence of mandatory warning boards and unauthorised sale of tobacco products, officials said.Authorities said enforcement drives would continue with increased vigilance and awareness. Gopinath urged the public to cooperate during raids and warned that obstructing officials or interfering with their duties would invite stringent legal action, including non-bailable offences.
