Varanasi: Police seized fireworks worth around Rs 15 lakh, allegedly stocked illegally in a house in the densely populated Nath Baba crossing area under Rasra police station, late Sunday night. and arrested the house owner.Ballia SP Omveer Singh said the action was part of a special drive launched ahead of the upcoming festivals to strengthen security arrangements.On receiving information about the illegal stock., a police team led by Rasra SDM Shriveer Singh and CO Rajneesh Kumar raided the premises of Tarkeshwar Jaiswal (62) near Nath Baba crossing. Officials found that Jaiswal had both his shop and residence on the same premises. During the search, police recovered 85 small and large sacks, 15 cartons and around five loose sacks containing fireworks and explosive material. The seized stock was estimated to be worth around Rs 15 lakh and was sealed on the spot.Police said the fireworks had been stored without a valid licence and in violation of prescribed safety norms in a crowded locality. The inspection also revealed that the premises had no adequate fire extinguishers or valid fire NOC.Officials said the manner in which the fireworks were stored posed a serious safety risk and that even a minor accident could have led to a major tragedy in the densely populated area.Following the seizure, police arrested Jaiswal and registered a case under sections of Explosives Act and BNS. Further legal proceedings are underway.
