The demand for gutka has been on the rise, never mind the ban. Picture by Hardeep Singh

Ranchi, June 27: The government ban on the sale of gutkas seems to have little effect as paan shop owners of the capital continue to sell them, although under wraps.

Cashing in on the limited availability of gutka, paan-shop owners have also raised its prices. The paanwallas now charge anywhere from Rs 1.50 to 2.00 for a packet, which was previously priced at Re 1.

The gutkas have also acquired code names. Brands like “Tiranga”, “Parag”, “Shikhar” are now known as “Jhanda”, “Patti” and “Choti” respectively.

The gutkas are made available to the customers who approach the shop with the code names. But getting one’s hands on a packet of gutkas is not easy. To be on the safe side, shop owners avoid selling gutkas to unknown customers.

When this scribe approached a shop, it took a lot of persuasion to get hold of a packet of gutka from the owner. The shop-owner said they generally avoid selling gutkas to strangers. “Selling the product has become illegal but we are still doing it because of the rise in demand,” the shopkeeper said. Another shopkeeper said,“Even we are finding it difficult to get gutkas from wholesalers. They are charging a much higher price from us due to the ban. Earlier, we used to buy a packet of 65 gutkas at Rs 45. But now, we are charged anywhere around Rs 60 to Rs 65. Seeing no other way, we too had to raise the price.”

The prices of all gutka brands have gone up. Now we are charging Rs 1.50 for every packet. We avoid selling gutkas to customers who do not mention the code names. There is always the fear of a raid,” the shopkeeper added.

Even khaini sellers in the capital take little notice of the statewide ban. Khaini is openly sold at different parts of the capital. Rows of khaini shops in front of the Ranchi Regional Development Authority (RRDA) building are not even aware of the ban and are doing a brisk business.