A man was arrested for allegedly smuggling 65 kg of illegal firecrackers into the national capital ahead of Diwali, according to police reports on Sunday. The suspect, identified as Rohit, was apprehended while transporting the firecrackers from Ghaziabad in a car.
On the night of September 20-21, a police patrol team from Nihal Vihar Police Station was conducting crime prevention duties when they noticed a suspicious black car approaching Sunday Bazar near Chander Vihar. At approximately 3:15 AM, officers signaled the vehicle to stop and subsequently searched it, discovering four plastic bags filled with firecrackers on the rear and middle seats.
When questioned, Rohit could not provide a satisfactory explanation for the firecrackers, while two other occupants of the car managed to escape. Those individuals have been identified as Vinit and Babloo.
Rohit was arrested, and a case has been registered under sections 288/125/3(5) BNS and 9(B) of the Explosives Act, 1984, at Nihal Vihar Police Station. The vehicle used for the illegal transport was also seized, and investigations are ongoing.
In an effort to combat air pollution, the Delhi government has imposed a complete ban on the production, storage, sale, and use of firecrackers in the national capital, effective until January 1, 2025. This includes restrictions on online sales and delivery of firecrackers. Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai stated that the government is implementing a 21-point Winter Action Plan, which includes the use of drones for real-time air quality monitoring at pollution hotspots.
