Gutka, pan masala freely available in State: Anbumani

PMK’s youth wing leader Anbumani Ramadoss on Saturday asked the State government how gutka factories could function in a State when there was a ban on the product.

In a statement here, he said gutka and pan masala are being sold despite the government’s ban which came into effect in May 2103. “In Chennai, gutka and pan masala are easily available. Students and youth are addicted to it. How are the producers able to sell these products and distribute them without any problem,” he asked.

‘Production is alarming’

Pointing out the IT raids had revealed tax evasion of Rs 250 crore, he said what was alarming was that the banned products were being produced in the State.

Seven godowns were found to store gutka and pan masala , he said charging the government for failing to crack down on production, packaging, storage and distribution of the products. Only consumption of the gutka had come down, he said, questioning the effectiveness of the ban.