CISF men fined for smoking

...but only after activist brings violation to the notice of senior officer

The ban on smoking exists differently for different people, at least in Mumbai.

While civilians are fined directly by the police, a social activist had to approach the joint commissioner of police to get two Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) guards charged for smoking at a public place as the cops at the airport showed reluctance.

Vincent Nazareth, an anti-tobacco activist, heaved a sigh of relief on Monday when the Santa Cruz airport police booked two CISF guards for smoking at a public place.

The guards — Tarun Bharati and Surendra Singh — were found smoking on the premises of hotel Rameshwar by Nazareth on October 6.

“When we approached the cops, they refused to register a complaint and fine the two guards saying they could not fine men in uniform,” said Nazareth.

Nazareth approached joint commissioner of police KL Prasad (law and order) the next day with an application on the conduct of the cops.

The guards were fined Rs200 each under the Bombay Police Act.

Somnath Ghuge, senior inspector at the Santa Cruz airport police station, said, “They were made to deposit Rs200 each for smoking at a public place.”

dnacity@dnaindia.net