Delhi Police seize 312 kg illegal firecrackers in Shahdara, arrest man
Synopsis
Delhi Police's ANTF recovered over 311 kg of illegal firecrackers from a 26-year-old's home in Balbir Nagar on 3 November — the second major seizure in the capital in under a week. With a Gokalpuri manufacturing bust just days earlier, the pattern points to a widening pre-Diwali enforcement sweep targeting unlicensed fireworks networks across Delhi.
Key Takeaways
ANTF/Shahdara arrested Harshit Mittal , 26, on 3 November 2026 for allegedly selling illegal firecrackers from his Balbir Nagar residence.
Police recovered 311.97 kg of illegal firecrackers; a team of 11 personnel carried out the operation.
Case registered under FIR No.
256/26 , invoking Sections 288 and 125 of the BNSS and Section 9(b) of the Explosives Act .
Mittal allegedly sold firecrackers to overcome financial hardship after working as a daily-wage restaurant employee.
On 27 October 2026 , Delhi Police had busted a separate illegal manufacturing unit in Gokalpuri , seizing 880 finished and 600 unfinished firecrackers along with 34 kg of suspected explosive powder.
Delhi Police's Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF), operating under the Shahdara district, arrested a 26-year-old man on 3 November 2026 for allegedly selling illegal firecrackers from his home in Balbir Nagar, recovering 311.97 kg of banned fireworks in the process. The accused has been identified as Harshit Mittal, a resident of Shiv Mandir, Balbir Nagar, Delhi.
How the Raid Unfolded
Acting on a confidential tip received on 3 November, a team of 11 police personnel from ANTF/Shahdara conducted a raid at Mittal's residence. Following a search carried out in accordance with prescribed legal procedure, officers recovered 311.97 kg of illegal firecrackers from the premises. Mittal was subsequently apprehended and questioned in connection with the alleged illegal sale.
A case was registered under FIR No. 256/26, dated 3 November 2026, at Shahdara Police Station. The charges have been filed under Sections 288 and 125 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNSS) and Section 9(b) of the Explosives Act.
Background of the Accused
According to police, Mittal had reportedly been working at a restaurant and earning a daily-wage livelihood. He allegedly turned to the illegal sale of firecrackers to address financial difficulties and generate quick income. No prior criminal record has been mentioned by officials at this stage.
Part of a Wider Crackdown in Delhi
This operation is part of a broader enforcement push by Delhi Police against illegal fireworks ahead of the festival season. Earlier, on 27 October 2026, police busted an alleged illegal firecracker manufacturing unit operating from a residential building in northeast Delhi's Gokalpuri area, apprehending three individuals — Mohit Goswami (29), Arman (24), and Sameer (21). Officers recovered 880 finished firecrackers, 600 unfinished firecrackers, and 34 kg of suspected explosive powder from the premises. None of the three could produce a valid licence or permit authorising such activities, according to police.
Legal and Safety Context
The sale and storage of firecrackers without a valid licence is prohibited under the Explosives Act and attracts stringent penalties. Delhi's pre-Diwali period routinely sees a spike in such enforcement drives, as authorities attempt to curb air pollution and prevent fire hazards linked to unregulated fireworks. Notably, this is the second significant seizure within a week, signalling sustained enforcement pressure across the capital's districts.
Point of View
Now Balbir Nagar — suggest this is not routine policing but a coordinated pre-Diwali enforcement push. What the numbers also reveal is the demand side: a daily-wage worker allegedly turning to illegal fireworks sales points to a supply chain that finds willing entry points at the economic margins. Crackdowns matter, but without consistent licensing enforcement and accessible legal channels for small vendors, the trade simply shifts addresses. The real test is whether these arrests translate into dismantling distribution networks rather than remaining isolated, headline-ready seizures.
NationPress
4 Nov 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was arrested in the Shahdara illegal firecrackers case?
Harshit Mittal , a 26-year-old resident of Shiv Mandir, Balbir Nagar, Delhi, was arrested on 3 November 2026 by the ANTF/Shahdara for allegedly selling illegal firecrackers from his home. Police recovered 311.97 kg of firecrackers from his premises.
What charges have been filed against Harshit Mittal?
A case has been registered under FIR No. 256/26 at Shahdara Police Station, invoking Sections 288 and 125 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNSS) and Section 9(b) of the Explosives Act. These provisions relate to negligent conduct endangering public safety and unlawful possession or sale of explosives.
Was there an earlier firecracker bust in Delhi recently?
Yes. On 27 October 2026, Delhi Police busted an alleged illegal firecracker manufacturing unit in Gokalpuri, northeast Delhi, arresting three persons — Mohit Goswami, Arman, and Sameer. Officers recovered 880 finished firecrackers, 600 unfinished firecrackers, and 34 kg of suspected explosive powder from the site.
Why was Harshit Mittal allegedly selling firecrackers illegally?
According to police, Mittal had been working as a daily-wage employee at a restaurant and reportedly turned to the illegal sale of firecrackers to overcome financial difficulties and earn quick money. No prior criminal history has been mentioned by authorities.
Why does Delhi see a rise in illegal firecracker seizures before Diwali?
Demand for firecrackers spikes around the Diwali season, and unlicensed sellers attempt to capitalise on it. Delhi authorities routinely intensify enforcement drives during this period to curb air pollution and prevent fire accidents linked to unregulated fireworks storage and sale.
