Bhubaneswar, Sep 29: In a sweeping crackdown ahead of the festive season, Odisha Police has seized illegal firecrackers and explosives worth Rs 8.24 crore and arrested 133 individuals during a 14-day statewide operation, officials said on Monday.

The special drive, titled Agni, was conducted from September 14 to 27 under the directive of the Director General of Police (DGP), targeting unauthorized storage, transportation, and sale of hazardous materials.

Operation Agni Disrupts Illegal Networks

The police initiative aimed to curb the unsafe and unlawful trade of firecrackers, which poses serious risks to public safety. According to a statement issued by Odisha Police, the operation led to the registration of 184 cases across various districts. In addition to the arrests, notices were served to 45 individuals suspected of involvement in the illicit trade.

Major Seizures Across Districts

The highest volume of illegal firecrackers was seized in Boudh district, amounting to Rs5 crore. Angul followed with Rs1.5 crore worth of materials, while Ganjam and Keonjhar districts reported seizures worth Rs21 lakh and Rs15 lakh respectively. These figures highlight the scale of the underground firecracker market operating across the state.

Police Vow Continued Vigilance

Officials emphasized that the drive has significantly disrupted illegal supply chains and warned that similar operations will continue to ensure public safety during the festive period. The police urged citizens to report suspicious activities and support efforts to eliminate unsafe practices.