Maharashtra: Sale of gutka to become non-bailable offense with 3-year-imprisonment
The Maharashtra Government has told the Legislative Council that sale of gutka -banned in the state- would be made a non-bailable offense. Also, punishment for the offense would be enhanced to three years in prison, it said. Meanwhile, Leader of Opposition Dhananjay Munde alleged through a calling attention motion that though anti-gutka laws are in place, it is smuggled from neighboring states. Here's more.
Opposition Leader Dhananjay Munde demands CID inquiry
Smuggling of gutka -a scented tobacco mix- happens with the connivance of corrupt officials in the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), NCP leader Munde alleged, demanding an inquiry by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). In response, Minister of State for FDA Madan Yerawar said gutka is manufactured in other states where it isn't banned. The Maharashtra FDA, since 2012-13, has seized Rs. 114.2cr-worth gutka.
Maharashtra has highest-number of youth falling prey to cancer: Munde
Leader of Opposition Munde said that Maharashtra has the highest number of youth falling prey to cancer due to chewing of gutka. He demanded an inquiry into continuing sale of gutka despite the ban. Meanwhile, FDA minister Girish Bapat said that currently, the sale of gutka is a bailable offense with a punishment of a maximum of six months in prison.
Centre has given permission to make offense non-bailable
Maharashtra's government has held discussions with the Director General of Police and the Law and Judiciary Department, and will make the offense non-bailable, Girish Bapat said. "The Centre has given us the permission to do so. Once the technicalities are sorted out (and the amendment made), those found guilty will have to face a rigorous imprisonment for three years," the senior minister said.
FDA vigilance squad inquiry underway
An inquiry by the vigilance squad of the FDA is underway into illegal sale of gutka, and the Maharashtra Government will order a CID probe if the Leader of Opposition, Dhananjay Munde, is still not satisfied with its report when it comes out, Bapat assured.
