Why Were 640 People Arrested for Disorderly Conduct on Kali Puja?
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Synopsis
On Kali Puja night, Kolkata witnessed significant police action with over 640 arrests for illegal firecracker usage and disorderly behavior. Amidst lower pollution levels compared to last year, authorities are committed to enforcing regulations more effectively. Discover the details surrounding this year's celebrations and the measures taken to uphold safety.
Key Takeaways
- 640 arrests made for illegal activities on Kali Puja.
- 852.45 kgs of banned fireworks confiscated.
- Lower pollution levels noted compared to previous year.
- Traffic violations led to 882 prosecutions.
- AQI reached 253 during the celebrations.
Kolkata, Oct 21 (NationPress) The Kolkata Police reported on Tuesday that approximately 640 individuals were detained across various areas of the city for engaging in illegal firecracker usage, disorderly behavior, and gambling during the Kali Puja festivities.
The authorities also confiscated 852.45 kgs of prohibited fireworks and 68.4 litres of alcohol during the celebrations last night. A total of 451 arrests were made for disorderly conduct, 183 for igniting illegal fireworks, and six for gambling, as stated by a senior officer of the Kolkata Police.
Additionally, the Kolkata Traffic Police prosecuted 882 individuals for various traffic infractions, including riding as a pillion without a helmet, riding without a helmet, using firecrackers, and driving recklessly. Among these, 99 individuals faced charges for drunk driving, and 156 for other rule violations, according to the officer.
Kolkata Police Commissioner Manoj Verma indicated that both noise and air pollution levels during Diwali were considerably lower this year compared to the previous year.
The Commissioner noted that the city experienced fewer violations of the regulations established for the celebrations, with enforcement teams patrolling various neighborhoods confirming improved pollution control this year.
“In comparison to other parts of the country, pollution levels in Kolkata remained low. We are still in the process of analyzing reports from 10 PM to midnight. However, we can confidently state that noise and air pollution were reduced compared to last year and were among the lowest in other cities,” Verma commented while addressing the media.
However, he acknowledged that the circumstances shifted on Tuesday after new index data was received.
Moreover, the air quality in Kolkata was categorized as 'poor' on Tuesday due to the firecracker usage during Kali Puja.
An official from the West Bengal Pollution Control Board (WBPCB) reported that the air quality index (AQI) registered at 253 (PM 2.5) at the Victoria Memorial air monitoring station at 2 PM on Tuesday, significantly higher than 186 recorded at midnight on Monday.
Point of View
I believe the actions taken by Kolkata Police reflect a growing commitment to public safety during festive celebrations. While the arrests may seem alarming, they underscore the need to balance tradition with responsibility. The significant drop in pollution levels is a positive sign that awareness and enforcement can lead to healthier celebrations. NationPress continues to support initiatives that prioritize community welfare while respecting cultural practices.
NationPress
21/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What led to the arrests during Kali Puja?
The arrests were primarily due to illegal firecracker usage, disorderly behavior, and gambling, with a total of 640 individuals detained.
How did the pollution levels compare this year to last year?
This year's air and noise pollution levels during Kali Puja were reported to be significantly lower compared to the previous year.
What measures were taken by the police during the celebrations?
The Kolkata Police enforced regulations by making arrests for illegal activities and conducted traffic checks, leading to 882 prosecutions for various violations.
What was the air quality index during Kali Puja?
The air quality index (AQI) was recorded at 253 (PM 2.5) at the Victoria Memorial monitoring station on Tuesday, which is higher than the previous day's AQI.
How does the government plan to address safety during future celebrations?
Authorities are focused on enhancing enforcement measures to ensure public safety and reduce violations during festive celebrations in the future.
