Kolkata Police’s citywide “zero-tolerance stance” on banned fireworks has gained momentum ahead of Kali Puja, with officers seizing a whopping 4,567 kilograms of illegal explosives since September 20.
Official figures detail that the seizures were made through 43 FIRs, with 15 arrests recorded during the Durga Puja and pre-Kali Puja phases.
The highest single-day haul came on October 17, when over a tonne of banned fireworks (1,052.28 kg) were seized across different police stations, including Jorabagan, and Entally.
The latest bust took place on October 18, when a special police team raided Mayo Road near the Calcutta Referee Association, close to Dharmatala Bus Terminus. During the operation, police arrested Md. Zeeshan (23) of Tiljala Road, who was allegedly found in possession of three nylon sacks and twenty-five paper cartons filled with banned items such as shells, kali pataka, and chocolate bombs, weighing around 600 kg in total.
Zeeshan reportedly told investigators that the consignment was meant to be transported to Asansol. The seized materials were taken into custody, and a case has been registered at Maidan Police Station under Section 9(B) of the Indian Explosives Act, read with Sections 61(2)/223 of the BNS.
