Gold Flake Cigarette Scam Alleged in Tripura: Retailers Receive Newspaper Papers Instead of Cigarettes

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, May 18, 2026

Serious allegations of fraud have surfaced from Amarpur, Belonia, Birchandra Manu areas of Tripura against the popular cigarette brand Gold Flake after several retailers in different parts of Tripura reportedly found bundles of newspaper pieces packed inside cigarette packets instead of actual cigarettes. However, initial investigations and local suspicions indicate that the fraud may not have been committed by the company itself, but by a local scam network operating within the supply chain.

According to complaints from shopkeepers, sealed packets of Gold Flake cigarettes were allegedly supplied with newspaper paper stuffed inside the packs. The shocking incident has triggered panic and anger among small retailers who suffered financial losses after purchasing the packets from distributors and agencies.

The matter first came to light in the Bir Chandra Manu area under South Tripura district, where multiple shopkeepers reported receiving fake-filled packets. Similar incidents have now also been reported from Belonia, raising concerns that the scam may be spreading across different regions of the state.

Initially, many retailers suspected that the manufacturing company was responsible for the defective packets. However, after closer examination, it reportedly became clear that the newspaper scraps found inside the packets were pieces of local newspapers, suggesting that the tampering likely occurred locally and not at the manufacturing level.

Retailers believe that a well-organized fraud network may be involved in carefully opening cigarette packets, removing the cigarettes, inserting folded newspaper pieces, and resealing the packets in a manner difficult to detect during regular transactions. Some traders have alleged that certain individuals linked to distribution or agency-level handling could be involved in the racket.

Shopkeepers are now demanding a proper investigation into the matter and strict action against those responsible. The incident has created concern among retailers, many of whom fear further losses if the scam continues unchecked.

Local traders have also urged authorities and company representatives to strengthen monitoring of the supply chain and verify stocks before delivery to retail outlets. No official statement from the company or law enforcement agencies had been issued at the time of reporting.

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