Delhi Police seize 1,073 kg of firecrackers, file 10 FIRs ahead of Diwali
Synopsis
Delhi Police seized over 1,073 kg of firecrackers and filed 10 FIRs across five police stations in the run-up to Diwali — with Subzi Mandi alone yielding nearly 623 kg. The sweep, targeting densely populated commercial zones from Chandni Chowk to Roshanara Road, signals a serious pre-festival enforcement push under both the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Explosives Act.
Key Takeaways
Delhi Police seized 1,073.426 kg of firecrackers and registered 10 FIRs ahead of the festive season.
Seizures span five police station areas : Lahori Gate , Burari , Kotwali , Bara Hindu Rao , and Subzi Mandi .
The largest single haul of 622.88 kg was made in the Subzi Mandi jurisdiction.
Cases were registered under Sections 223 and 288 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Sections 5 and 9B of the Explosives Act .
Recoveries were made between 16 October and 27 October 2026 ; investigation and legal proceedings are ongoing.
Delhi Police have launched a sharp crackdown on unauthorised firecrackers ahead of the festive season, seizing 1,073.426 kg of firecrackers and registering 10 FIRs across five police station jurisdictions in the city. According to an official police statement issued on Friday, 30 October 2026, the drive spans the areas of Lahori Gate, Burari, Kotwali, Bara Hindu Rao, and Subzi Mandi.
Where the Seizures Were Made
The bulk of the haul — 622.88 kg — was recovered in the Subzi Mandi area alone, making it the single largest seizure point in this operation. Bara Hindu Rao accounted for 178.5 kg, followed by Kotwali at 107.6 kg, Lahori Gate at 88.916 kg, and Burari at 75.53 kg.
The Subzi Mandi station alone registered three FIRs — Nos. 453/2026, 456/2026, and 462/2026 — on 23, 25, and 27 October, with recoveries from Gali Mandir Wali near Arya Mandir (272.58 kg), a second location within the station's jurisdiction (318.5 kg), and near Pul Bangash on Roshanara Road (31.8 kg).
FIR-by-FIR Breakdown
At Lahori Gate, FIR No. 0504/2026 was registered on 16 October under Sections 223(b) and 288 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Sections 5 and 9B of the Explosives Act, after 88.916 kg of firecrackers were found in front of Sir Sobha Singh Polyclinic.
In Burari, FIR No. 0753/2026 was registered on 18 October under Sections 223(a) and 288 of the BNS and Section 9B of the Explosives Act, covering a recovery of 75.53 kg from in front of House No. 163, Gali No. 11, B-Block, Himgiri.
Kotwali police registered two FIRs: FIR No. 0862/2026 on 18 October following the recovery of 93 kg from Angoori Bagh Fool Wala Road, and FIR No. 0942/2026 on 27 October after 14.6 kg was found near Moti Cinema in Chandni Chowk. Bara Hindu Rao registered three FIRs — Nos. 263/2026, 264/2026, and 266/2026 — on 24 and 25 October, with a combined recovery of 178.5 kg from the Mahavir Bazar area.
Why the Crackdown Matters
The North District Police warned that unauthorised storage and unsafe handling of firecrackers pose serious risks of fires and injuries, particularly in densely packed markets and residential colonies. This drive comes against the backdrop of repeated court directives and civic complaints over air quality and safety incidents tied to unregulated firecracker use during the festive period.
Notably, several of the seizure sites — Chandni Chowk, Mahavir Bazar, and areas near Roshanara Road — are high-footfall commercial zones where a fire or explosion could cause significant casualties and property damage.
Appeal to Residents and Traders
Police have urged residents, traders, shopkeepers, and property owners to comply with all applicable regulations and to immediately report suspected violations. The North District Police reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring safe and orderly celebrations during the festive season.
Further investigation and legal proceedings are underway in all 10 registered cases, and additional enforcement action is expected in the days ahead.
Point of View
Fire-prone commercial corridors — reflects a structural enforcement gap that persists year after year. The use of the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita alongside the Explosives Act marks a procedural shift, but the real measure will be whether prosecutions lead to convictions rather than bail and repeat offences. Until supply chains feeding urban firecracker markets face disruption at the wholesale level, festive-eve seizures will remain a recurring ritual rather than a deterrent.
NationPress
30 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How many firecrackers did Delhi Police seize in the latest crackdown?
Delhi Police seized 1,073.426 kg of firecrackers across five police station areas — Lahori Gate, Burari, Kotwali, Bara Hindu Rao, and Subzi Mandi. The operation also resulted in 10 FIRs being registered between 16 and 27 October 2026.
Which area recorded the highest firecracker seizure in Delhi?
The Subzi Mandi police station area recorded the highest recovery at 622.88 kg , nearly 58% of the total seized. Three separate FIRs were registered in that jurisdiction, with recoveries from Gali Mandir Wali, a second undisclosed location, and near Pul Bangash on Roshanara Road.
Under which laws were the Delhi firecracker FIRs registered?
The FIRs were registered under Sections 223 and 288 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Sections 5 and 9B of the Explosives Act . The specific sub-sections applied varied by case depending on the nature of the offence.
Why is Delhi Police cracking down on firecrackers before Diwali?
Unauthorised storage and handling of firecrackers pose serious fire and injury risks, especially in crowded markets and residential areas. The North District Police cited public safety and law and order as the primary reasons for the festive-season drive.
What should Delhi residents do if they suspect illegal firecracker storage?
Delhi Police have urged citizens to promptly report suspected violations to the nearest police station. Residents, traders, shopkeepers, and property owners have also been advised to comply with all applicable regulations on the sale, possession, and storage of firecrackers.
