Vidarbha, Gondia, India: The Gondia District Police have begun cracking down on paan stalls located within 100 to 200 meters of educational institutions that are found selling banned tobacco products.

SP Gorakh Bhamre mentioned that his department has identified 781 paan stalls located within the specified distance, falling under the jurisdiction of all 16 police stations in the district. According to the survey, there are 417 kiosks within 100 meters and 364 within 200 meters of educational institutions.

SP Bhamre emphasized that it is the responsibility of parents and school management to monitor the kiosks near their institutions. He also stated, "We have launched a campaign against all such kiosks involved in selling illegal tobacco products."

SP Bhamre assured that if they receive information from school management or parents, they will take action against the violators. He explained that initially, a fine of Rs 200 is imposed along with a warning to the kiosk owners. For repeat violations, legal cases will be filed. Notably, the police have already taken action against 126 such kiosks.