The Nalanda district administration in Bihar has sealed an unauthorised warehouse stocked with firecrackers worth approximately ₹50 lakh in a market near Neku Miyan Fatak, under the jurisdiction of Biharsharif police station, in a late-night raid on Sunday, officials said on Monday, November 2.

Source: IANS via Hi India

The raid was conducted by the Circle Officer under the supervision of Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) Kislay Srivastava, as the administration intensified its crackdown on the illegal storage and sale of firecrackers ahead of Diwali.

According to the administration, the warehouse belongs to Omprakash Prasad, who reportedly fled the spot after learning about the raid. Officials subsequently sealed the premises and initiated legal proceedings against the operator.

SHO Ranjeet Kumar Rajak confirmed that the firecrackers had been stored illegally without the necessary licence. He said an FIR had been registered following the sealing of the warehouse and that police teams were conducting raids at different locations to arrest the absconding operator. Further investigation is underway.

Source: Nation Press

Officials expressed concern over the storage of large quantities of explosive firecrackers in densely populated markets and residential areas, where an accidental fire or explosion could cause serious damage to life and property.

SDO Kislay Srivastava warned that the administration would continue conducting raids against individuals involved in the unauthorised storage and sale of firecrackers, and that strict action would be taken against violators to ensure public safety and prevent any major accident during the festive season.

The district administration has reportedly not issued licences to any firecracker vendors this year, officials said. Temporary stalls are traditionally set up at various locations as Diwali approaches and demand for firecrackers rises.