Some 23 offences were registered and 44 calls related to crackers was received by city police : Nagpur
Between Dhanteras and Diwali last week, for the first time the city police came down heavily against the use of illegal crackers, seizing materials worth almost Rs 4 lakh. Police had allowed only green crackers for sale, purchase and bursting between 8pm and 10pm during Diwali. They went ahead to enforce the rule at multiple levels involving local police stations, crime branch and special squads.
Something around 23 offences were registered at different police stations against fire-cracker traders and other citizens for violating the norms for crackers. In a matter of two days, the city police control room received 44 calls related to crackers, with all the caller’s sharing complaints regarding a number of issues ranging from violations of time limit, sale of prohibited crackers, disputes over bursting and noises.
Under Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) CP Amitesh Kumar issued a notification prohibiting any crackers without green label and only allowing to burst them between 8pm and 10pm. He said “We had repeated meetings with stakeholders alerting them about the Supreme Court and National Green Tribunal (NGT) guidelines regarding green crackers, norms of restricted decibels, and also timing regulations. Our stand was clear about taking action. Whoever did not follow the norms faced action.”
The commando beat marshals were rushed to any location from where citizens alerted police through 112 emergency number regarding cracker- related issues. The CP further added that “Prompt reaction and timely intervention helped police avoid several untoward incidents related to crackers”. Several police vehicles were sent on patrolling and were also asked to remain alert during sales, stocking and bursting of crackers in violation of time frame. Separate teams of assistant CPs and zonal and crime DCPs were also keeping surveillance.
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