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Kolkata, October 18 (IANS) Kolkata Police on Saturday conducted a raid in the city and recovered over 600 kg of banned fireworks. The officers provided this information.
During the operation, the police arrested Mohammad Zeeshan (23), resident of Tiljala of Topsia police station area.
According to the police, three nylon sacks and 25 paper cartons containing various types of banned crackers, including shells, black crackers and chocolate bombs, totaling about 600 kg were seized.
During police interrogation, Zeeshan revealed that he had purchased the banned firecrackers to take them to Asansol in West Burdwan district.
The goods were confiscated while maintaining all legal formalities.
“A case has been registered at Maidan police station under Section 9(B) of the Indian Explosives Act as well as Section 61(2)/223 (criminal conspiracy) of the Indian Code of Justice (BNS),” a senior Kolkata Police official said.
Meanwhile, police said that till October 17, around 1,315 kg of illegal fireworks were recovered from Patuli, Dhalai Bridge and Garia Crossing areas of Kolkata, while 36 kg of fireworks were seized from Bansdroni area.
“We are conducting raids and awareness campaigns across Kolkata to curb illegal sale and use of banned firecrackers,” the officer said.
On Friday, Kolkata Police announced strict guidelines for Diwali and Kali Puja celebrations, allowing the use of only eco-friendly firecrackers.
As per the guidelines, with an aim to curb pollution and ensure public safety, bursting of green crackers will be allowed only within a two-hour time period from 8 to 10 pm on October 20.
The Kolkata Police decision comes days after the Calcutta High Court pulled up the state government, asking whether it was ready to ban firecrackers.
Following the High Court’s remarks, Kolkata Police stepped up surveillance and enforcement, introducing drones to monitor high rooftops and narrow streets as part of a citywide campaign to curb the sale and bursting of banned firecrackers.
–IANS
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