₹90k fine on firm for storing banned Pan Masala

DHANBAD: Food safety wing of Deoghar district slapped a fine of ₹90,000 on one Parasuram Transport for movement and storage of banned brands of Pan Masala, officials said on Wednesday.

Sub-divisonal magistrate (SDM) cum food safety officer (FSO) of Deoghar Dinesh Kumar Yadav said besides a fine of ₹90,000, legal action under Sections 188, 288, 269, 270 of Food Safety Standard Act (FSSA), 2006 would also be initiated against the firm.

“Sale and purchase of tobacco products is banned in the state and violation of the Act could invite six months of imprisonment,” said the SDM.

This is the first time in Jharkhand that a transport company was fined for transporting banned Pan Masala. Till now, only hoarders and retailers of such products were fined.

The state government had last year imposed a ban on consumption, sale, storage and carrying a select brands of Pan Masala, after 15 brands were found laced with nicotine during a laboratory test conducted by the central government. On the directive of high court, the state health department has also launched a drive against it.

“Getting information about transportation and storage of banned Pan Masala brands by

Parasuram Transport, a raid was conducted at its Sadar hospital road-based office and ₹90,000 from its owner Raja Bharduaj,” said Yadav.

According to sources, banned items of worth over ₹7 lakh were seized from the said firm.

The food Safety wing also imposed a fine of ₹5,000 on another city-based businessman Ankit Kumar Chourasia for storing the banned products.