Lucknow, Nov 7 (PTI) The Uttar Pradesh Police has arrested 48 people and registered 35 cases in a special crackdown on the illegal manufacture, storage, transportation and sale of firecrackers across the Varanasi zone, recovering explosives worth more than Rs 1.25 crore, officials said on Saturday.
Around 130 quintals of illegal firecrackers have been seized during the campaign being conducted in all districts of the Varanasi zone ahead of the upcoming festivals, the Uttar Pradesh Police said in a post on X.
The larger Varanasi zone consists of Azamgarh, Ballia, Mau, Chandauli, Ghazipur, Jaunpur, Varanasi, Mirzapur, Bhadohi and Sonbhadra districts.
"The special campaign is being conducted under the leadership of the additional director general of police, Varanasi zone, in compliance with the directions of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Director General of Police Rajeev Krishna," the post said.
"A total of 35 cases have been registered and 48 accused arrested so far," it said, adding that legal action has been initiated against them under relevant provisions of the Explosive Substances Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Police said the campaign would continue until Dev Deepawali (November 24).
Appealing to firecracker traders to comply with safety regulations, the Uttar Pradesh Police said, "Traders should not manufacture, store or sell firecrackers without a licence."
It also advised traders to sell firecrackers only at designated open spaces, in accordance with prescribed safety standards and licence conditions, and to ensure adequate firefighting equipment at their shops.
Police said the drive was aimed at curbing illegal activities involving firecrackers and ensuring public safety during the festive season.
