17 killed so far due to illegal firecracker blast in Bengal, police action continues; 77000 KG fireworks seized

A series of devastating explosions in illegal firecracker factories across West Bengal has resulted in the tragic loss of 17 lives in the past 10 days.

With 12 casualties in Egra, 3 in Bajbuj, and 2 in Malda, the incidents have prompted heightened vigilance from the police administration. In response, police operations have led to the seizure of over 77,000 kg of firecrackers and the arrest of more than 40 individuals involved in illegal activities.

However, the police action has sparked anger among certain local residents who believe that the crackdown is unfairly targeting specific areas. Complaints have arisen regarding innocent individuals being caught up in the police campaign, even if they are not involved in the firecracker trade.

In addition to the firecracker-related seizures, law enforcement authorities recently uncovered around 37,000 kg of sugar beet. In total, approximately 77,500 kg of illegal firecrackers have been confiscated thus far. The successive blasts have prompted a strong response from the police administration, prompting widespread efforts to curtail illegal activities.

The police have launched extensive campaigns throughout various areas of the state, including Bajbuj, Maheshtala, Howrah, and Belgharia, in an attempt to curb the trade in illegal firecrackers. Recent actions resulted in the recovery of around 100 kg of illegal firecrackers from Malpara village in the Patial area of Jagatballabhpur police station, based on information received from undisclosed sources. However, local residents urge authorities to conduct raids in multiple locations rather than focusing solely on specific areas.

Furthermore, in a separate incident, the police seized over 2,000 kg of firecrackers from the residence of a paan trader in Neelganj, Dattapukur police station area, North 24 Parganas. The crackdown continues district by district, following the incidents in Egra and Bajbaj, as the police take strict action to combat the proliferation of illegal firecrackers.

In response to the alarming frequency of illegal firecracker factory explosions, the state secretariat has issued stringent instructions to tackle the issue effectively. The administration has already implemented strict guidelines to combat illegal manufacturing operations and is conducting raids across districts.

In the latest development, the Belgharia police station arrested Tinku Mazumdar, a firecracker businessman, in possession of 300 kg of illegal firecrackers in Vivekanand Nagar, Belgharia, North 24 Parganas. The arrest signifies ongoing efforts to crack down on illegal firecracker activities, with authorities vowing to continue similar operations in the days ahead.

The incidents of Egra, Bajbaj, and Malda highlight the dangerous nature of illegal firecracker factories, which continue to pose a threat to public safety. The police are actively taking measures to prevent further tragedies by intensifying raids and enforcing strict regulations.