New Delhi: Two Delhi police personnel have been suspended for allegedly failing to check the sale of firecrackers in their beat areas despite the Supreme Court temporarily banning their sale. Action was taken against the policemen, deputed at Mongolpuri police station in Northwest Delhi, for allegedly “not knowing” what was happening in their beat areas, a senior police officer said. Among the two, one was posted as ASI and another as head constable. A departmental enquiry has been initiated, the official said.

A shopkeeper, 40, was arrested for illegally selling firecrackers. The arrested, identified as Manoj Kumar, was caught by the Delhi vigilance team selling firecrackers in Mangolpuri area. So far more than eight persons have faced action for illegally selling firecrackers. On Monday night, the police arrested one identified as Iqbal in Chandni Mehal area for selling firecrackers. It is said that Mr Iqbal had got firecrackers from the Sadar Market at a wholesale price and was selling in the area.  

Meanwhile, 14 people were detained on Tuesday for bursting firecrackers outside the Supreme Court to protest the temporary ban. No firecracker shop in the capital would be allowed to open till October 31. Dozens were forced to shut on Tuesday, Delhi police spokesperson Madhur Verma said. “We are following the SC guidelines against shopkeepers found illegally selling firecrackers and are also taking action as per the law. The police is on a tight vigil to ensure that no one violates the court’s guidelines,” Mr Verma added.

He said action has been against those shopkeepers caught selling crackers. “Five such shopkeepers were caught from Sadar Bazar and Lahori Gate areas. Also, during surprise checks, dozens of others were found (illegally selling firecrackers) in New Delhi district. All SHOs have been directed to ensure that no one sells firecrackers.”

Additional deputy commissioner of police Chinmoy Biswal said details from all the SHOs were being collected in order to ascertain how many shops were found violating the court order and “action will be taken against the violators”.