Rajendra Prasad Mohapatra

Bhubaneswar: Continuing its crackdown on the manufacturing, sale and use of firecrackers ahead of Diwali, Police on Thursday seized huge quantity of firecrackers from different places in Ganjam, Rourkela and Puri.

The Ganjam Police seized a huge stock of branded firecrackers worth Rs 50 lakh near Dharakote in the district.

Acting on a tip off, the police intercepted a truck bearing registration number, OR07B 4101. Huge quantity of firecrackers was found in the vehicle during a search.

In this connection, Dharakote Police has fled a case under Odisha firework & loudspeaker Act against the transporter. Further probe is on to find the origin and destination of the stock as well as the people involved in the trade which has been prohibited this year.

Similarly, the Rourkela Police raided as many as four godowns and seized firecrackers worth around Rs 5 lakh at Bandhamunda. The raid was conducted by a special squad led by the DSP Rourkela, Asima Panda.

According to police sources, firecrackers are still being sold in the area illegally. “We are  keeping close watch on the law breakers,” said a police official.

Meanwhile the Puri Police too seized a massive stock of firecrackers from the sea beach and Gop areas during simultaneous drives.

Four persons have been arrested in this connection and sent to custody.

“No license has been issued to anyone for sale of fireworks throughout Puri district. We have been conducting continuous raids on shops selling firecrackers illegally and the raids will continue,” said the Puri Police.

It is pertinent to mention here that the Odisha government recently prohibited the sale and bursting of firecrackers between November 10 and November 30 in view of the COVID-19 pandemic situation.

The Odisha Police has warned of stern action against those found involved in the manufacturing and selling of crackers.

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