Udupi Police Crackdown on Illegal Fireworks Storage: Five Arrested, Explosives Worth Crores Seized
Udupi: In a significant operation targeting the illegal storage and sale of hazardous firecrackers, Udupi police have conducted raids across multiple locations within the district, resulting in the seizure of explosives valued at crores of rupees and the apprehension of five individuals. The coordinated effort underscores the authorities’ commitment to public safety and adherence to legal regulations concerning the handling and storage of highly flammable materials.
The raids, executed under the jurisdiction of various police stations, were initiated based on credible intelligence regarding the unlawful storage of firecrackers without requisite safety measures. One notable operation, conducted within the Kota Police Station limits, led to the search of a shed situated near the Tekkatte Mahalingeshwara Temple. Inside, law enforcement officials discovered a substantial cache of fireworks stored in a manner that contravened safety protocols and legal standards, posing a considerable threat to the surrounding populace. K. Prashanth Jogi, 44, was taken into custody, and authorities confiscated 332 boxes of assorted firecracker brands with an estimated value of ₹1,61,372.
In a separate operation under the Brahmavar Police Station limits, police uncovered approximately 16 boxes of various firecracker brands, valued at ₹35,000. These explosives were illegally stored in a shamiyana warehouse adjacent to a residential property in Kunjal, Aroor village. Shivananda Rao, 50, a resident of Kunjal, was arrested in connection with this discovery.
Furthermore, under the Karkala Town Police Station limits, police executed a raid on the former residence of Satyendra Nayak, 70, Shrikant Nayak, 37, and Ramananda Nayak, 48, located in Dendabettu, Miyaru village. The operation revealed a large quantity of firecrackers stored without the mandatory safety precautions. Acting on reliable information, police arrested two of the accused and seized fireworks of various brands valued at over ₹1 crore.
The Udupi police have registered separate cases at the Kota, Brahmavar, and Karkala Town Police Stations. Authorities have indicated that comprehensive investigations are currently underway to ascertain the full extent of the illegal operations and to identify any additional individuals involved in the illicit storage and distribution of these hazardous materials. The crackdown sends a clear message regarding the strict enforcement of regulations pertaining to the handling of explosives and the unwavering commitment of law enforcement to safeguarding public safety.
