Delhi: 88 held for illegal sale of firecrackers

New Delhi: Cracking the whip against illegal sale of firecrackers, the Delhi police seized 3,775 kg of firecrackers and arrested over 88 people in this connection. The police said that a total of 88 FIRs were registered across the city till October 19. 

The police had started the carckdown since last Monday. Dozens of shops were found selling firecrackers in Delhi on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. The police ensured strict implementation of the Supreme Court order banning the sale and purchase of crackers in the capital due to pollution concerns around Diwali and in a major crackdown, it seized 3,775.725 kgs of firecrackers.

While the maximum number of FIRs were registered in North Delhi with 15 cases, a total of 336 kg of firecrackers were seized from the district. Closely followed by North, Northwest district and Rohini with 14 FIRs, and in Southeast Delhi 11 FIRs were registered.

Following the apex court guidelines against shopkeepers found selling firecrackers, the police took action as per the law. 

Dozens of others were found (selling firecrackers) in New Delhi district areas during surprise checks. All SHOs have been directed to ensure that no one sells firecrackers. However despite the ban, illegal sale was rampant. Also, two policemen had to face disciplinary action after they failed to conduct a check in Nangloi area. The Supreme Court ban will remain in place till November 1.