Punjab: Over 8,000 challaned for tobacco consumption in public

The Punjab government has challaned as many as 8,077 offenders for smoking and chewing tobacco in public places in the state and collected fines worth Rs 4,80,965.
The challans were issued under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) during the April-June period.
State Health and Family Welfare Minister Brahm Mohindra today said the government has also directed all district authorities to take strict action against the offenders under section 268 and 269 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
"Direct and indirect use of tobacco is equally harmful for humans and animals, and it is a subject of serious concern which is directly linked with the health of people," he said.

Mohindra said that the health department had challaned 8,077 offenders under COTPA in Punjab and recovered Rs 4,80,965 as fines.