New Delhi, Sep 30 (NationPress) In a significant operation just before the festive season, the Crime Branch of the Central Range of Delhi Police confiscated more than 423 kg of illegal firecrackers during synchronized raids in Sadar Bazar and Shahdara, according to a statement released by the Delhi Police on Tuesday. Three individuals were taken into custody for their involvement in this illicit trade.

The first raid took place at Filmistan, Sadar Bazar, where a team led by Inspector Sunil Kumar Kalkhande detained two young men — Ashutosh Mishra (24) and Aryan Dubey (20), both from Pahari Dhiraj.

The authorities reported that they recovered eight large white plastic bags filled with banned firecrackers from the duo, who were caught transporting 148 kg of these illegal items.

A case has been registered under Sections 288/223(B) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and 9B of the Explosives Act at the Crime Branch.

According to the police, both Ashutosh and Aryan, who are close friends and students at Delhi University, do not have any prior criminal records. They acquired the banned firecrackers through an online platform intending to resell them during the festive season for considerable profit.

In another operation at Ashok Nagar Market, M.S. Park, Shahdara, Inspector Gaurav Choudhary arrested Rakesh Kumar (52), a local wholesaler dealing in seasonal goods.

From his location, police confiscated 275 kg of banned firecrackers, which were found packed in carton bags. Kumar, who has a history of similar offenses, has been charged under the same laws.

With the total confiscation amounting to 423 kg, the police emphasized the importance of this operation in enforcing Supreme Court directives and environmental regulations concerning the use of fireworks.

“These operations form part of a sustained campaign aimed at eliminating the illegal firecracker trade, especially during the festive season, and to uphold the orders from the Supreme Court and environmental bodies,” stated DCP Vikram Singh.