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Chhattisgarh yet to catch 'smoker'

NAT33National/HealthChhattisgarh yet to catch 'smoker'Raipur, Oct 5 IANS Police in Chhattisgarh are yet to catch their first "smoker" after smoking was banned in public places across the country Oct 2."Police have been serious in ensuring strict implementation of the ban on smoking at public places. Police chiefs in all the 18 districts have been asked to act tough and set up squads to catch smokers but we have not fined even a single person till Oct 4," police officials told IANS. Ban on smoking was Oct 2 extended to offices, theatres, restaurants, malls, shopping complexes, parks and recreational areas or any other place where groups of people gather. As per the new law, anyone found smoking on streets would be liable to a fine of Rs.200 while those smoking in office premises will be fined Rs.5,000, with the onus on the employer to levy the penalty.In government offices, hospitals, airports and aircraft, railway stations and trains smoking was already banned.--Indo-Asian News Service suj/pb/dg178 Words05101528