Police action after blast in South 24 Parganas, 37000 KG crackers seized; 34 arrest

Following a blast at an illegal firecracker factory in Chingripota village of Bajbuj in West Bengal's South 24 Parganas district, police have launched a campaign against illegal firecrackers.

Authorities have seized a substantial quantity of illegal firecrackers, including Tubari, Chocolate, Charkha, Rocket, Sail, Tarabati, and Rangamshal, totaling 37,000 kg. A total of 34 individuals were arrested in the Bajbuj and Maheshtala police station areas.

The operation to confiscate illegal firecrackers is being led by Ark Bandopadhyay, Additional SP of Diamond Harbor District Police. This blast follows a similar incident in Egra, East Midnipur. The explosion at the Chingripota village firecracker factory resulted in loss of life and prompted immediate police action in the area.

Police conducted extensive searches, uncovering a significant stockpile of firecrackers and ingredients used in their production. Local women claimed that firecrackers were manufactured in most households of the village without proper licenses, and they alleged that the police were aware of this fact.

However, villagers have expressed discontent, claiming that the incident has been misrepresented. As a result, they have blocked access to the village since Monday morning and denied entry to the press. Media vehicles have been diverted away from the village entrance.

The police crackdown on illegal firecrackers has brought Chingripota village to a standstill since the explosion on Sunday evening. The ongoing operation, headed by Additional SP Ark Bandopadhyay, has resulted in the seizure of various types of firecrackers, including popular ones like ridge gourd, chocolate, charkha, rocket, cell, torch, and rangamshal.

Additionally, 34 arrests have been made. Local women assert that firecracker production is widespread in the village, and they hold the belief that the police are fully aware of this situation.