Ban on smoking to be strictly enforced on Gandhi Jayanti Day

Chennai, Sep 29 (UNI) Come Gandhi Jayanthi Day, smokers would be dealt with severely as police have decided to strictly enforce the ban on smoking in public places.

''The ban will be strictly enforced,'' Chennai City Police Commissioner R Sekar told newspersons here today.

Those violating the ban would be fined Rs 100 for the first time, Rs 200 for second time violation and Rs 1,000 if they were caught smoking again, he said, adding action would be taken based on the guidelines issued by the Central and State governments.

Referring to the blasts in New Delhi, he said the Centre has issued a general alert not only to Chennai, but all States and Metros.

Mr Sekar said security had been beefed up in the city and public were being sensitised and educated on the need to be more vigilant.

Pamphlets would be distributed to create awareness among the people, he added.

''The city is under a thick security blanket. We are not taking any risks as all the cities in the country are under terror threat,'' he said and added that security has been beefed up in theatres, hotels, parks and places of worship.

Police personnel had been deployed in large numbers at railway stations, airports and bus stands. Night patrol too had been intensified, Mr Sekar said.

He also urged private firms to install equipment like metal detectors on their premises to ensure safety.

On the complaint lodged by actor Vadivelu against DMDK President Vijayakanth, the Commissioner said the enquiry was on and appropriate action would be taken based on the investigations.

With a view to reducing the crime graph, so far 134 people had been detained under the Goondas Act this year. More than 10,000 people have been taken into preventive custody.

UNI GV SJ SY AS1843