Mohali: Police have busted an illegal firecracker manufacturing and storage unit operating from a residential area in Lalru and arrested two persons, while the alleged kingpin remains absconding.Acting on a tip-off, Lalru police raided a shop and an adjoining residence on Dahar Road. During the operation, police recovered 25 bags containing sulphur, gunpowder and other explosive material, along with 54 large boxes and 84 small boxes of firecrackers. A large quantity of cardboard, packaging material and other raw materials used in firecracker manufacturing was also seized.The action was carried out under the supervision of senior police officers after an FIR was registered under Section 288 of BNS and relevant provisions of the Explosives Act.The arrested accused were identified as Akshay Gupta (24) and Aksit Gupta (26), both residents of Dahar Road, Lalru. Police said the duo failed to produce any valid licence for manufacturing or storing firecrackers.The third accused, Sanjay Gupta, is absconding and special teams have been formed to trace him.SSP Harmandeep Singh Hans said the illegal unit was operating in a densely populated area, posing a serious threat to public safety. He added that the accused were allegedly manufacturing and storing firecrackers without permission and that strict action would be taken against all those involved.The arrested accused were produced before a court, which granted police remand. Investigators are now probing the wider manufacturing and supply network and possible involvement of others.
