Firecrackers concealed in plastic sacks and cardboard boxes on the upper floor of a residential building; 34-year-old Mohit Gupta apprehended. (By Pankaj Rai)
New Delhi: Ahead of Diwali, Delhi Police have intensified their crackdown on the illegal storage and sale of banned firecrackers in the national capital. The Anti-Auto Theft Squad (AATS) of the South District Police conducted a raid in Sangam Vihar and seized 167.94 kg of prohibited firecrackers. A 34-year-old man, identified as Mohit Gupta, was apprehended in connection with the case. He is accused of storing the firecrackers in a residential building without a valid licence.
The police action highlights increased vigilance against the illegal stockpiling and sale of banned firecrackers during the festive season.
South District Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Anant Mittal said the AATS team received specific information during patrolling that banned firecrackers were being stored in a house in H-Block, Sangam Vihar.
Acting on the tip-off, the team reached the location, conducted a search and apprehended Mohit Gupta. During questioning, the accused took the police personnel to a room on the upper floor of the house, where firecrackers of different brands and varieties were found concealed in plastic sacks and cardboard boxes.
The police seized a total of 167.94 kg of firecrackers from the premises.
An FIR, numbered 426/2026, has been registered at Sangam Vihar Police Station in connection with the case. The police have invoked Sections 125, 223(b) and 288 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with Section 9B of the Explosives Act.
Investigators are examining the circumstances surrounding the storage of the seized firecrackers. According to the police, no previous criminal record was found against Mohit Gupta. Further investigation is underway.
The operation was conducted under the direction of Inspector Pawan Kumar, in-charge of the South District AATS. The team included Sub-Inspectors Shajid Hussain and Navdeep, along with Constables Arvind and Krishna.
The operation was carried out under the supervision of Assistant Commissioner of Police (Operations) Balram Singh Beniwal.
Under the leadership of DCP Anant Mittal, the South District Police have stepped up surveillance and enforcement measures to prevent the illegal storage and sale of banned firecrackers ahead of the festive season.
The police said the campaign aims to ensure compliance with the law and safeguard public safety during the festivities.
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