Despite a ban, Gutkha trade continues to flourish in Subarnapur district with the administration and police remaining a mute spectator.
To check the rise in mouth and throat cancer, the State Government imposed a ban on sale of Gutkha and other tobacco products five years back. Following the ban, the Subarnapur police swung into action and raided in different shops of area besides arresting over 20 persons.
As police relaxed their actions with passage of time, the illegal trade started flourishing again. Sources said, after the crackdown, Gutkha was sold clandestinely. But now it is openly available everywhere in the district including the Sonepur town.
Now those arrested for their involvement in Gutkha trade after having been released on bail have restarted their operation.
The units have started manufacturing different pouches for Pan Masala and Zarda. This apart, without any regulation mechanism, locally made Gundi and Dokta (chewing tobacco) have becamepopular among the rural populace.
Lawyer Surendra Mishra said two legislations FSS Act and COTPA are confusing. The administration needs to enforce Gutkha a ban strictly while the police should also conduct regular raids against unscrupulous traders violating the law, he added.