Daijiworld Media Network - Karkala

Karkala, Oct 16: Ahead of Deepavali celebrations, Karkala police arrested three persons for allegedly storing a massive quantity of firecrackers illegally at Miyaru in Karkala taluk and seized products worth several crores of rupees.

The arrested have been identified as Satyendra Nayak (70), Srikanth Nayak (37), and Ramananda Nayak (48), all residents of Miyaru. They are accused of storing explosive firecrackers without a valid licence and in a manner posing a threat to human life.

Based on credible information, Karkala police conducted a raid on Thursday morning at Dendabettu in Miyaru village. The accused were reportedly stockpiling firecrackers in an old residential building without the required licence or any safety measures.

Police discovered stock equivalent to nearly three container loads of firecrackers, estimated to be worth over Rs 1 crore. Various branded firecracker products were seized during the operation.

A case has been registered at the Karkala town police station in connection with the incident.

The operation was carried out under the guidance of district superintendent of police Hariram Shankar and Karkala assistant superintendent of police Dr Harsha Priyamvada.

Police officials said strict legal action is being taken against those found storing firecrackers without a licence or in violation of safety norms. They also warned that surveillance and enforcement will be intensified against such illegal storage and sale of firecrackers in view of the upcoming Deepavali festival.