Mass Crackdown in Kolkata: 131kg Fireworks and 6L Alcohol Confiscated

In a sweeping operation on November 9, Kolkata police detained 341 individuals for violating firecracker restrictions and public‑order rules during Kali Puja. The crackdown resulted in the confiscation of 131.1 kilograms of illegal fireworks and six liters of illicit liquor.

The arrests were split between 95 people caught using prohibited firecrackers and 246 individuals accused of creating chaos and breaching other legal provisions. The police force was mobilised under special orders from the Lalbazar headquarters, which directed all stations to keep extra officers on standby and operate at a heightened state of alert throughout the festive night.

Earlier, the state had mandated that only green‑label firecrackers be ignited between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m., and prohibited any explosions within a 100‑metre perimeter of schools, hospitals and other designated silent zones. Violations began surfacing from Sunday evening, prompting the rapid response.

According to a senior police spokesperson, the department is committed to enforcing the guidelines strictly and ensuring the well‑being of the city’s residents remains uncompromised.