The Kolkata Police launched a large‑scale raid on Saturday that cleared more than 600 kg of illegal fireworks from the city and detained a 23‑year‑old local who was trying to move the contraband to Asansol.
Police officers from the Topsia post swept three nylon bags and 25 paper cartons that held banned crackers – shells, kali pataka and chocolate bombs. “Md. Zeeshan,” the police said, was caught at the scene. When questioned, he told officers that he had bought the firecrackers to transport them to West Burdwan district, but the authorities confiscated all of the items and filed a case at Maidan Police Station under the Indian Explosives Act and criminal conspiracy laws.
This raid is part of a wider crackdown that already saw police seizing about 1,315 kg of illegal fireworks from Patuli, Dhalai Bridge and Garia crossing as of Oct. 17. An additional 36 kg was seized from the Bansdroni area. Police say they are carrying out more raids and holding public awareness drives across Kolkata to stop the illegal sale and use of banned crackers.
In response to the spike in firecracker crime, Kolkata Police issued new guidelines for Diwali and Kali Puja celebrations last Friday. Only eco‑friendly firecrackers are permitted, and the city will allow the bursting of green crackers for just two hours from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Oct. 20. The aim is to curb pollution and keep people safe.
The crackdown followed a warning from the Calcutta High Court, which questioned the state government’s willingness to ban firecrackers. Since then, police have intensified surveillance, including the use of drones to monitor high‑rise rooftops and narrow lanes throughout the city.
By combining stricter enforcement, new regulations for festive fireworks, and technology‑based monitoring, Kolkata Police hope to keep the city safe and reduce the environmental impact of the holiday season.
Source: ianslive
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