Report: Manmeen Walia,New Delhi

In a major crackdown ahead of the festive season Delhi Police have intensified their drive against illegal firecrackers. Acting on specific information, the West District Special Staff conducted a raid at a house in Vishal Enclave, Rajouri Garden, and recovered a massive stockpile of illegal firecrackers.

During the raid on the morning of September 25, police found firecrackers stacked in every corner of the house, including the kitchen. At the spot, a family of three—father Sushil Kakkar (53), mother Upasana Kakkar (50), and son Shivam Kakkar (28)—were caught red-handed while repacking the firecrackers.

In total, 3,580.4 kilograms of illegal firecrackers were seized. Investigations revealed that the family, who also run a snacks and food items shop in Moti Nagar, had turned their residence into a warehouse to run this illegal business for hefty profits.

Police said the stock was sourced from Meerut, Gurugram, and Ghaziabad and was being prepared for sale in Delhi. The operation averted a potential disaster, as such large-scale storage of explosives in a residential area posed a serious risk to lives and property.

DCP Darade Sharad Bhaskar, West Delhi, said: “Delhi Police is committed to ensuring the safety of citizens, especially during the festive season. The seizure of such a massive quantity of illegal firecrackers in a residential area has averted a potential disaster. We urge the public to celebrate responsibly and strictly avoid the use or storage of illegal firecrackers. Strict legal action will be taken against anyone found indulging in such unlawful activities.”