Agartala, May 18: A shocking case of alleged fraud has surfaced in Tripura after several shopkeepers from Amarpur, Belonia, and Birchandra Manu discovered Gold Flake cigarette packets filled with newspaper scraps instead of cigarettes. The incident has triggered panic among retailers and raised concerns about a possible organized scam operating within the supply and distribution network.
The matter first came to light in Birchandra Manu when local shopkeepers opened sealed cigarette packets and found folded newspaper pieces carefully inserted inside. Initially believed to be an isolated case, similar complaints soon emerged from Belonia and nearby areas, suggesting that the fraud may be more widespread than initially suspected.
Retailers initially suspected a manufacturing defect or factory-level error. However, after closer examination, traders found that the newspaper scraps used inside the packets appeared to be from local newspapers. This led many to believe that the tampering likely occurred during distribution or transportation rather than at the manufacturing stage.
According to local traders, the fraudsters may have opened the packets, removed the cigarettes, inserted newspaper pieces to maintain the shape and weight of the packs, and then resealed them in a manner that made the tampering difficult to detect.
Shopkeepers have expressed serious concern over the financial losses and damage to customer trust caused by the incident. “Customers blame us when they find fake packets. We are losing both money and credibility,” said a trader from Belonia. Retailers fear the scam could spread further if authorities fail to intervene quickly.
Police sources confirmed that complaints regarding the matter have been received. However, no official statement has yet been issued either by law enforcement agencies or the cigarette company concerned. Traders are now demanding a thorough investigation to identify those involved in the alleged racket and ensure strict action against them.
Retailers have also urged company representatives and distributors to strengthen monitoring mechanisms within the supply chain and verify products before delivery to shops.
The incident has created anxiety among small business owners across the state, where cigarette sales remain an important source of daily income. Authorities are now under pressure to act swiftly to restore confidence among traders and consumers alike.
