48.2 kg illegal firecrackers seized in run-up to puja
Times of India | 26 September 2024
Kolkata: The festive season’s first major illegal firecracker seizure, around 50 kg, and an arrest took place in the Port division’s Watgunge area on Tuesday evening.
“At 7.15 pm, cops from Watgunge PS — who were performing naka checks — received intel that an individual was planning to transport a large quantity of banned fireworks in a goods vehicle via Garden Reach Road.Accordingly, at the crossing of Garden Reach Road and Kabitirtha Sarani, a surprise check was initiated. Around 8.15 pm, a goods vehicle came from Karbala Park and was intercepted. Upon examination, the driver, Sk. Samirul (29), a resident of Daulatpur in Maheshtala, disclosed that he was transporting firecrackers, for which he neither rendered any satisfactory answer nor produced any supporting documents,” said DC (Port) Harikrishna Pai.
During the search, a large quantity of fireworks weighing 48.2 kg, was recovered from the vehicle. Accordingly, cops seized the fireworks and the goods vehicle. After investigation, it was found out that the accused was transporting the firecrackers to sell it to different people before the festive season, said DC Pai. A case was initiated under section 9B(1)(b) Explosive Act read along with 61(2) BNS 2023. Samirul was arrested at 10.20 pm after initial questioning.