Varanasi zone: ADG Naveen Arora-led drive seizes illegal firecrackers, 48 arrested

Police in the Varanasi zone reported seizing illegal firecrackers valued at more than Rs 1.25 crore during a special campaign directed by Additional Director General of Police Naveen Arora. According to police, 35 cases were registered across nine districts and 48 accused persons were arrested.

The police statement described the recovery as approximately 130 quintals. Adding the district-wise quantities supplied in the statement gives a total of 13,421 kg, or 134.21 quintals. Bhadohi recorded the largest seizure at 3,417 kg. The monetary value is the police assessment.

District-wise seizures and arrests

• Bhadohi: 3,417 kg of firecrackers, 6 cases and 8 arrests.
• Mau: 2,377 kg of firecrackers, 8 cases and 8 arrests.
• Ballia: 2,241 kg of firecrackers, 4 cases and 10 arrests.
• Mirzapur: 1,313 kg of firecrackers, 6 cases and 6 arrests.
• Azamgarh: 1,055 kg of firecrackers, 4 cases and 5 arrests.
• Jaunpur: 949 kg of firecrackers, 2 cases and 3 arrests.
• Sonbhadra: 918 kg of firecrackers, 1 cases and 2 arrests.
• Chandauli: 628 kg of firecrackers, 2 cases and 2 arrests.
• Ghazipur: 523 kg of firecrackers, 2 cases and 4 arrests.

Police said action was taken under the explosives law and relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The drive targeted the alleged illegal manufacture, storage, transport and sale of firecrackers ahead of the festival season.

Appeal to licensed traders

Arora appealed to firecracker businesses and trade associations to comply with licensing and fire-safety requirements. He warned that unlicensed production, storage and sales could endanger members of the public and workers, particularly in crowded residential areas and near hospitals, schools and colleges.

He asked traders holding the required licences and no-objection certificates to operate only at designated open grounds or other authorised safe locations. Traders were advised to follow licence conditions on stock quantities, storage and shop size, and to keep fire extinguishers and other fire-prevention equipment available.

Police also appealed for compliance with applicable Supreme Court, National Green Tribunal and local administrative directions, while balancing festival celebrations with noise, air-pollution and public-health concerns. The campaign against illegal manufacture, storage, transport and sale will continue until Dev Deepawali, according to police.

Source: official statement of ADG Varanasi Zone