Illegal firecrackers worth Rs 20 lakh seized in Bhubaneswar; capital city to have cracker shops at 25 locations

Swinging into action ahead of Diwali, the Commissionerate Police raided several illegal firecracker godowns in Bhubaneswar Urban Police District (UPD) and seized firecrackers worth over Rs 20 lakh.

According to sources, the Commissionerate Police seized over 150 kg of gunpowder and other materials used for manufacturing firecrackers during a raid in the Balipatna area on Sunday. 

Sharing details about the police action against illegal firecracker godowns in the city, Bhubaneswar Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Pinak Mishra said, “All police stations have been directed to keep a vigil on illegal cracker manufacturing units under their jurisdiction to avoid firecracker-related accidents. Acting on the directive, several raids were conducted in the Bhubaneswar UPD.”

“Earlier yesterday, raids were conducted in the Balipatna area and a huge cache of explosive materials including 150 kg of gun powder, and 50 kg of iron dust used in firecracker manufacturing were seized. While two separate cases were registered at Balipatna Police Station, two people have been arrested in connection with the case,” Mishra added.

Recently, a huge amount of illegal firecrackers were seized during raids in the Jatani and Tamando areas and separate cases were registered, the senior police officer informed.

25 Places In Bhubaneswar To Have Firecracker Shops

Asked about the retail sale of firecrackers in Bhubaneswar markets, Mishra said, “As many as 25 places in Bhubaneswar will have temporary firecracker shops. While 465 applications have been received to open firecracker shops, more than 200 of them have been granted permission.”

“No firecracker shop will be allowed to store more than 300 kg crackers and there should be a minimum distance of 50 feet between two shops,” the DCP informed.