Bhubaneswar: Odisha Police has confiscated illegal firecrackers and explosives valued at Rs 8.24 crore and arrested 133 individuals during a 14-day special statewide operation, officials reported on Monday. The initiative took place from September 14 to 27 following orders from the DGP. Its aim was to address illegal storage, unauthorized transportation, and unlawful sale of firecrackers and explosives, especially with the festive season approaching, according to a police statement. Named ‘Agni,’ the operation has effectively disrupted unlawful networks involved in the dangerous trade of firecrackers and explosives throughout the state. During this period, a total of 184 cases were registered across various police stations, with 133 arrests made and notices served to 45 individuals implicated in the illegal trade.
The largest quantities of illegal firecrackers were confiscated from the districts of Boudh (Rs 5 crore), Angul (Rs 1.50 crore), Ganjam (Rs 21 lakh), and Keonjhar (Rs 15 lakh). Ganjam police seized illegal firecrackers worth over Rs 2 lakh from a rice godown in Chhatrapur on Saturday. These firecrackers were stored without permits and in contravention of explosives and fireworks regulations. The owner of the godown has been detained for questioning to investigate the source of the firecrackers and any connections to a larger distribution network. Previously, Simulia police in Balasore district confiscated crackers valued at Rs 5 lakh from a residence in Begunia village during a raid.
“The substantial number of seizures and arrests underscores the gravity of the situation and the police’s commitment to public safety,” stated a source. The stringent enforcement has not only removed dangerous materials from circulation but has also acted as a significant deterrent against future infringements. Authorities indicated that such proactive measures, alongside awareness campaigns, will persist periodically to protect lives and property during the festive season and beyond.
