Nalanda illegal firecracker warehouse sealed, ₹50 lakh stock seized before Diwali
Synopsis
With Diwali days away and not a single vendor licence issued in Nalanda this year, officials raided an unlicensed warehouse near Biharsharif and seized firecrackers worth ₹50 lakh — while the owner fled. The crackdown underscores a pattern of illegal firecracker storage in crowded markets that authorities warn could turn deadly.
Key Takeaways
The Nalanda district administration sealed an illegal firecracker warehouse worth approximately ₹50 lakh near Neku Miyan Fatak , Biharsharif .
The raid was conducted by the Circle Officer under SDO Kislay Srivastava on Sunday night .
Warehouse owner Omprakash Prasad reportedly fled the scene; police have registered an FIR and are searching for him.
The administration has reportedly not issued any firecracker vendor licences in Nalanda this year.
Officials warned that illegal storage in densely populated areas poses a serious risk to life and property ahead of Diwali .
The Nalanda district administration in Bihar sealed an unauthorised firecracker warehouse stocked with goods worth approximately ₹50 lakh during a late-night raid on Sunday, intensifying its pre-Diwali crackdown on illegal storage and sale of firecrackers. The premises, located in a market near Neku Miyan Fatak under the jurisdiction of Biharsharif police station, was found to be operating without a valid licence.
How the Raid Unfolded
The operation was carried out by the Circle Officer under the supervision of Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) Kislay Srivastava. During the search, officials recovered a large quantity of firecrackers allegedly stored without the required permits. The warehouse is reportedly owned by Omprakash Prasad, who fled the scene after learning of the imminent raid. Officials subsequently sealed the premises and initiated legal proceedings.
FIR Registered, Hunt for Absconding Operator On
Station House Officer (SHO) Ranjeet Kumar Rajak of Biharsharif police station confirmed that the firecrackers had been stored illegally without the necessary licence. He added that a First Information Report (FIR) has been registered and that police teams are conducting raids at multiple locations to apprehend the absconding operator. Further investigation is underway.
Why Officials Are Concerned
Authorities flagged serious safety risks posed by the storage of large quantities of explosive material in densely populated markets and residential areas. Officials warned that any accidental fire or explosion could cause significant damage to life and property. Notably, the Nalanda district administration has reportedly not issued licences to any firecracker vendor this year, yet illegal trading has persisted in several areas ahead of the festive season.
Administration Vows to Continue Raids
SDO Kislay Srivastava cautioned that the administration would sustain its crackdown against unauthorised storage and sale of firecrackers. He said strict action would be taken against all violators to ensure public safety and avert any major accident during the Diwali period. The district administration has reiterated its commitment to enforcing safety regulations and preventing illegal firecracker trading in the run-up to the festival.
Point of View
₹50 lakh in a single unlicensed warehouse, reveals how inadequate enforcement is outside the festival window. The administration's admission that it issued zero vendor licences this year is telling: it creates no legal supply channel, which pushes demand underground rather than eliminating it. Without year-round inspection and a workable licensing framework, late-night Diwali raids will keep making headlines without resolving the underlying safety problem.
NationPress
2 Nov 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was seized in the Nalanda firecracker raid?
Officials sealed an unauthorised warehouse containing firecrackers worth approximately ₹50 lakh near Neku Miyan Fatak in Biharsharif, Nalanda. The stock was found to be stored without a valid licence.
Who owns the sealed warehouse in Biharsharif?
The warehouse reportedly belongs to Omprakash Prasad, who fled the scene after learning of the raid. Police have registered an FIR and are conducting raids to arrest him.
Why has the Nalanda administration cracked down on firecrackers this year?
The administration has not issued any firecracker vendor licences in Nalanda this year, making all storage and sale of firecrackers in the district illegal. Officials are concerned about the risk of fire or explosion in densely populated markets and residential areas ahead of Diwali.
Who led the Nalanda firecracker raid?
The raid was led by the Circle Officer under the supervision of Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) Kislay Srivastava. SHO Ranjeet Kumar Rajak of Biharsharif police station confirmed the FIR registration.
Will there be more raids in Nalanda before Diwali?
Yes. SDO Kislay Srivastava has warned that the administration will continue conducting raids against unauthorised firecracker storage and sale. Strict action, he said, will be taken against all violators to ensure public safety during the festive season.
