Operation Agni: Firecrackers worth around Rs 1 crore seized in Odisha

In a massive joint operation, codenamed ‘Operation Agni’, a special squad along with Biramitrapur police busted a large network of illegal firecracker distribution in Sundargarh district on Tuesday.

Also Read: Firecrackers worth over Rs 20 Lakh seized in Odisha; 3 arrested

The team seized firecrackers worth nearly Rs 1 crore, including approximately Rs 90 lakh worth of banned fireworks, during raids conducted at the residences of two local traders in Sundargarh’s Biramitrapur. The seized materials included high-decibel crackers and restricted explosive items that pose serious safety and environmental threats.

Officials say that the joint operation was launched following intelligence inputs about illegal firecracker storage and sales ahead of the festive events. Police are now stepping up strict vigil, promising action against violators and urging the public to celebrate responsibly.

This crackdown comes at a crucial time when the use of banned fireworks is not only a legal offence but also a health and safety hazard.

Simultaneous raids lasted for over 12 hours, which were carried out in the house and warehouse of Radhika Complex owner, located inside Gol Bazaar of Biramitrapur town. A raid was also conducted at the warehouse of ‘Public Demand’ store owner, where a large quantity of illegal firecrackers was seized.

A large stock of firecrackers had been stored, taking advantage of the festive season and with Diwali approaching. The police are currently probing how and from where such a large quantity of firecrackers was brought into such a densely populated locality.

Worth mentioning, earlier in another incident, cops had conducted a marathon raid across multiple locations in Biridi, Kujang, and Raghunathpur police limits of Jagatsinghpur district, seizing a huge quantity of firecrackers worth over Rs 20 lakh, in September.

“Based on reliable intelligence input and under the supervision of Biridi PS IIC, a special raid team led by ASI Bichitrananda Mantry conducted a search operation at around 11.00 PM at the house of accused Subrat Mohanty of Nuapari village, who is a wholesaler of firecrackers. He was selling them to retailers without any valid license,” a press release stated.

“A total of 127 packets of different brands of firecrackers, valued at over Rs 20 lakh in the open market, were seized from the wholesaler’s possession,” the press release added.

Reported By: Rakesh Sahoo