Pune Police Crack Down on Illegal Firecracker Shops; Four Cases Registered

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Vimannagar, 30th October 2024: Several illegal firecracker shops have been spotted across Pune, prompting the Airport police to take action and register cases against four such sellers. These unlicensed vendors have drawn public complaints, leading to increased enforcement efforts by local authorities.

Legitimate firecracker stalls are permitted only after meeting the necessary terms and conditions set by the Fire Department, Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), and the police. Licensed shops are concentrated in areas like Vartak Baug and the Golibar Maidan, where security measures are enforced throughout the Diwali season. Fire brigade personnel and water tankers are stationed in these designated areas to ensure public safety.

However, numerous unauthorized vendors have been operating in other parts of the city. In response, the Airport police took swift action, targeting illegal setups near Phoenix Mall on Nagar Road and in Lohgaon’s Sant Nagar and Bhaji Mandi areas. Notably, cases were registered against Gururaj Firecrackers Mart, Mahalakshmi Firecracker Mart, and Ekdant Firecracker Stall under Section 35(3) of the BNS 2023. Instead of confiscating the firecrackers, the police instructed the vendors to remove their stalls immediately, citing the risk of accidents if such materials were stored at the police station.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone 4), Himmat Jadhav, explained the urgency of the situation: “We have begun cracking down on illegal firecracker shops, especially those in residential areas, as they pose a significant fire hazard. Strict action will be taken against vendors who operate without proper authorization.” He urged the public to report any illegal firecracker shops to the authorities for swift action.

Authorities in the Vimannagar and Lohgaon areas have been particularly vigilant, ensuring that unauthorized vendors are removed to prevent potential accidents during the festive season.