Small traders allege abuse by Health dept, policemen

Addressing the media, Vellaiyan, president, Tamil Nadu Vanigar Sangangalin Peravai, said, “Cigarettes are legal and they are not banned in the State but health department officials and police personnel harass local traders by collecting fine and if refused, they even seize the products. The State government should immediately intervene to stop the harassment.”

Explaining the issue, Chelladurai, president, Puzhal Vattara Viyabarigal Sangam, said that there is ban on smoking in public places and to sell cigarettes close to educational institutions and hospitals. Even if all the regulations are met, authorities carry out frequent raids to impose fines.

“Sometimes they levy a fine of Rs 2,000 and even up to Rs 5,000. When asked, the officials said that they levy fine based on cigarette buds found near their shops and collect upto Rs 200 per cigarette bud,” said Chelladurai.

He also said that, on the day of Independence, the Puzhal police took away all the cigarette packets from small traders and the goods were returned only after protest in front of the police station. The government should immediately instruct the officials to stop the harassment, said Chelladurai.

He warned that if the harassment continues, they will stage protest in a bigger way and are even ready to go to prison.

A meeting was conducted in Egmore, in which small traders and retailers participated in large numbers to share their harassment. Vijayalakshmi, a trader from Royapuram, while sharing her ordeal, said that she is suffering from low blood pressure and is the sole breadwinner of the family.

She is running a small shop in a rental space and is primarily selling cigarettes. However, the Royapuram police recently seized products worth Rs 7,000 from her shop and when she enquired, the police threatened to file a case against her.

After she shared her ordeal, Vellaiyan assured that traders associations will stand with all the traders and will protect them.