Mysore/Mysuru: Taking smoking in public places seriously, city Police, who conducted drives, have collected a total of Rs. 13,800 fine from those who were found smoking in public places.

Following instruction from City Police Commissioner B. Ramesh, Kuvempunagar Police conducted drives in their jurisdiction and imposed fines on youths found smoking in public places and also imposed fines on tea shop owners.

After sunset, youths were found in groups smoking in front of tea shops in Kuvempunagar Police limits till 11 pm and creating nuisance which had come to the notice of the Police. In a bid to curb it, Police are conducting the drive since 15 days and imposing Rs. 100 fine on smokers, Rs. 200 on shop owners.

City Police Commissioner B. Ramesh, DCPs M. Muthuraj and S. Jahnavi and K.R. Sub-Division ACP Gangadharaswamy guided Kuvempunagar Inspector L. Arun and staff in the drive. Police said that the drive will continue.