Amritsar sees back-to-back seizures of firecrackers

Tribune News Service

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Amritsar, November 8

With Diwali just round the corner, the back-to-back seizures of illegally stashed firecrackers have seen a drastic rise. The district administration has allowed only those traders who have a valid licence for selling firecrackers at a designated spot in the New Amritsar area here. The recent seizures of illegal manufacturing and storing of firecrackers and explosive materials were made from the city as well as rural belt areas.

In a recent seizure, crackers worth Rs 1.5 lakh were seized from Gulla, a resident of Lakha Singh Wala village. He was involved in illegal manufacturing and storing crackers in a rented shop at Bhinder. Besides, he was also indulging in selling synthetic Chinese kite string. The police also seized 320 big rolls and 950 small rolls of synthetic kite string from the spot.

Acting on a tip-off, the Beas police raided the shop and residence of Harjasjit Singh of Beas. The raiding police party confiscated firecrackers worth Rs 1.25 lakh from there.

While Harjasjit was nabbed by the police, Gulla managed to abscond. The police said raids were on to arrest him.

Gaurav Toora, Superintendent of Police, Amritsar rural, said the police had adopted zero tolerance against those involved in storing crackers without fulfilling the requisite norms. This was not only illegal but also dangerous for life and property of others. He said raids would continue to nab those who were indulging in such illegal acts.

Similarly, the city police seized around 3 kg of potash powder being used for manufacturing crackers from a residence in the Anngarh area infamous for bootlegging and illegal manufacturing of crackers.

The police team also seized 100 iron shells, 14 anaars and thread from the spot. The police recovered 80 bottles of illicit liquor from the spot. The residence belonged to Mangal Singh, alias Manga, who is still absconding.

Earlier too, a huge quantity of explosive material was seized from the area.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Jagmohan Singh said the district administration had allotted slots for installing stalls to those who had a licence and the requisite permission. If other persons (those who have no licence) were found selling, manufacturing or storing firecrackers, strict action would be taken against them.