Odisha Police seized illegal firecrackers and explosives valued at Rs 8.24 crore and arrested 133 people during a 14-day special state-wide drive conducted from September 14 to 27, officials reported on Monday.
The drive, titled Agni, followed a directive from the Odisha DGP.
The crackdown’s primary objective was to curb the illegal storage, unauthorized transportation, and unlawful sale of explosives and firecrackers, especially given the upcoming festive season, a police statement said.
The special drive significantly disrupted illegal networks involved in this unsafe trade of firecrackers and explosives across the state, the statement added.
A total of 184 cases have been registered in different police stations, 133 people arrested, and notices have been served to 45 individuals involved in the unlawful activity during the drive.
The districts with the highest value of illegal firecrackers seized were Boudh (Rs 5 crore), Angul (Rs 1.50 crore), Ganjam (Rs 21 lakh), and Keonjhar (Rs 15 lakh), the statement said.
“The large volume of seizures and arrests reflects the seriousness of the issue and the determined efforts of the police to ensure public safety. Strict enforcement has not only removed hazardous materials from circulation but also served as a strong deterrent against future violations,” the statement read.
