Udupi District Police Seize Illegal Firecrackers Worth Lakhs in Pre-Diwali Raids
Udupi: In a series of coordinated operations conducted across the Karkala, Brahmavar, and Kota police station jurisdictions, the Udupi District Police have seized a substantial quantity of illegally stored firecrackers, estimated to be worth lakhs of rupees. The raids, executed ahead of the Diwali festival, were prompted by verified intelligence regarding the unsafe and unauthorized storage of firecrackers intended for sale within the district.
The operations targeted specific locations in Miyar, Kunjalu, and Tekkatte, resulting in the confiscation of a significant volume of explosive materials. According to the Udupi District Superintendent of Police, the seized firecrackers will be transferred to official explosive storage facilities, commonly referred to as magazines, and subsequently destroyed in compliance with established safety protocols and regulations.
One notable seizure occurred within the Kota police station limits, where authorities apprehended K. Prashanth Jogi, 44, a resident of Tekkatte village, situated near the Mahalingeshwara Temple. Jogi was found to be illegally storing 332 boxes of assorted branded firecrackers, valued at Rs 1,61,372, in a shed located adjacent to his residence. The storage was conducted without the requisite permits or adherence to safety precautions, thereby posing a significant risk to public safety and human life.
In a similar incident within the Brahmavar police station jurisdiction, Shivanand Rao, 50, of Kunjalu Aruru, was found to be storing firecrackers illegally in a Shyamiana warehouse situated next to his residence. Rao had neither obtained the necessary authorization nor implemented adequate safety measures. Police seized 16 boxes of various branded firecrackers, with an estimated value of Rs 35,000.
Furthermore, in Miyar, Karkala Taluk, police recovered firecrackers with an estimated value of several lakhs of rupees. The total value of the seized materials is currently undergoing assessment.
Formal cases have been registered under Section 9B(1)(b) of the Explosives Act, as well as BNS Sections 287 and 288. Investigations are currently underway to ascertain the full extent of the illegal storage and sale operations.
The Udupi District Police have issued a stern warning, emphasizing that stringent legal action will be pursued against any individuals found to be storing or selling explosives without the requisite permits or in violation of established safety regulations. The police department has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring public safety and upholding the law during the Diwali festival period.