Pattamundai police on Sunday night arrested two persons on the charges of manufacturing illegal fire crackers at Damarapur village. A huge quantity of firecrackers and explosive materials from their possession was seized.
They were identified as Keshab Sahu and Gouranga Sahu of Damarapur village. The Pattamundai police seized fire cracker manufacturing materials like barium nitrate powder and iron dust. The accused were illegally manufacturing the crackers without obtaining valid licences and other necessary permission in this regard.
The police also registered a case under Section 286, 34 IPC and 9(B) Indian Explosive Act and on Sunday produced the arrested before the JMFC court of Pattamundai where they were remanded in jail custody after their bail petitions were rejected by court.
According to sources, many illegal fire- cracker units are being run in the villages of Garapur, Dihabalarampur, Kacheripada, Pundalo, Tendakuda and Chandol in the district.
Kendrapada SP Satish Kumar Gajbhiye said a drive is going to be made very shortly to curb the units. He informed that he has directed all the police stations to conduct raids and arrest the manufacturers.