Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (SP)

Mangalore, Feb 20: On Thursday February 19, the policemen of the city decided to turn their attention to smokers who have been blatantly violating the ban imposed on smoking in public places. This came as a rude shock to the unsuspecting smokers who kept themselves busy as usual, puffing clouds of nicotine-rich smoke into thin air.

The Bunder policemen went into the act, catching hold of people at the other end of the burning cigarette tip. They fined every offender with Rs 200. Smokers were booked at Lady Goschen Hospital neighbourhood, service bus stand and Hampankatta regions. Till Thursday evening, they caught hold of 29 offenders and collected Rs 5,800 as fine.

Smokers were found murmuring that they should have been forewarned by the policemen, who they said, took their act seriously all of a sudden. Some others were taken by surprise when they were caught, not realizing at the moment that smoking in public places is an offence.