Gutka sale continues unabated in Vijayawada

Vijayawada: Despite ban on sale of gutka, the gutka sale continued unabated in the city and other parts of Krishna district. Local petty traders are purchasing gutka packets and selling them to their regular customers. The city police registered 15 cases against the gutka traders in the last six months and seized gutka and pan masala packets worth Rs 30 lakh.

Due to poverty and other reasons, these petty traders go to other districts particularly West Godavari, East Godavari and Guntur and buy the gutka. During the last two months, the city police arrested two gangs and seized gutka packets worth lakhs of rupees.

Vijayawada is centrally located in the state and has good road and rail connectivity. In this backdrop, the traders are choosing road and railways to transport the gutka packets. Thousands of people are purchasing these gutka packets. 

It is well known fact that chewing gutka is harmful to health and leads to oral cancer. Besides, it also spoils the lungs. Gastro problems, vomiting, damage to teeth, gums and throat, neurological problems are some of the ill effects of chewing gutka, said Dr Gangadhar. He alleged that the government had failed to check the sale of gutka and pan masala, which contain tobacco and nicotine. 

Keeping in view of the hazardous effects of gutka, more than 20 states in the country banned the sale of gutka. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) Nawab Jan said the local traders particularly under the police station limits of Ajit Singh Nagar area are indulging in gutka trade. He said gutka stocks worth Rs 30 lakh were seized and destroyed with the permission of the court at New Rajarajeswaripet area.

Poverty is one of the prime reasons for gutka sales, opined M Jaganmohan, station house officer, Ajit Singh Nagar Police Station. He said some women were involved in the gutka sales. He said many people habituated to chewing gutka and purchase it at a higher price. He said strict vigil is maintained on the traders to check the sale of gutka.