Brajarajnagar: In a major crackdown ahead of the upcoming Dussehra and Diwali festivals, the Brajarajnagar police in Jharsuguda district have intensified raids on illegal firecracker sellers under ‘Operation Agni’.
During the drive, police arrested Pawan Sharma of Lamtibahal for allegedly stocking a large quantity of firecrackers at his residence without authorization and selling them illegally. The seized stock has been valued at around ₹2 lakh, Brajarajnagar SDPO Chintamani Pradhan informed the media.
A case has been registered, and further investigation is underway. Police said Sharma admitted that the firecrackers had been procured for last year’s Diwali.
The seizure has sent ripples across the town, with several illegal traders reportedly anxious about possible raids. Many who had stored firecrackers in homes are said to be in fear of police action.