AoM resolves to take legal action
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, April 30 2025: Armour of Manipur has resolved to take legal action against alleged State Food Safety Officers in connection with the mishandling of bags of Talab (chewing/smokeless tobacco) seized on April 23 .

Speaking to media persons at Manipur Press Club today, Ningthoukhongjam Rita, vice president, Armour of Manipur said that womenfolk of Maharabi and Tendongyan detained an Imphal bound truck coming from Dimapur at 9 am on April 23 leading to the seizure of 386 bags of tobacco products including Talab which were handed over to Sekmai police station under the supervision of OC D Theingam Thangal (MPS) .

Following this, some individuals identifying themselves as State Food Safety Officers said that they will handle the case and assured that the seized tobacco products will be set ablaze before the public after observing necessary formalities.

However, the Sekmai police station received information yesterday that the Talab bags were handed over to the "rightful owner" while the remaining bags of tobacco products will be disposed of as previously stated, said the Armour of Manipur vice president.

In this connection, Ningthoukhongjam Rita questioned how the Talab bags were turned over to the alleged owner after assurance was given to the public that all seized tobacco products will be set ablaze.

She accused the police personnel of conniving with State Food Safety Officers in this regard and questioned if bribery was involved.

Adding that "Gutkha" products are banned under Section 30 (2) (a) of the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006 in Manipur, she said that legal action will be initiated against the erring Food Safety Officers.

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