Large cache of firecrackers seized from poultry farm, 3 held

In a major operation ahead of peak festivities, the SBS Nagar police, acting on a tip-off, seized a large stockpile of firecrackers and explosive material from a poultry farm in Mehli village, near Phagwara, on late Thursday night, leading to the arrest of three persons.

The raid, conducted under the supervision of Nawanshahr SSP Mehtab Singh, resulted in the seizure of nearly 3,850 kg of explosive substances valued in lakhs of rupees.

Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav while talking to The Tribune termed it a significant seizure ahead of Dussehra and Diwali.

DIG Satinder Singh said a case had been registered at the Behram Police Station under the Section 9B of the Explosive Substances Act and Sections 288 and 125 of the BNS against three accused identified as Arif and Mustkeem Ali, both from Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh, and Feroz, a resident of Baghpat, Uttar Pradesh.

DGP Yadav said the recovery included eight bags of potash weighing 400 kg, 70 packed boxes of firecrackers weighing 1,050 kg and 40 bags of grounded coal weighing 800 kg. The poultry farm has been sealed, and the seized material has been taken into custody for further forensic and legal examination.

SSP Mehtab Singh said investigation was underway to ascertain whether the explosives were being manufactured illegally at the site or stored after being brought from another state. He added efforts were being made to trace the supply chain and identify others who may be involved in the racket.