Bhanjanagar: Ahead of Dussehra and Kali Puja, gambling activities and illegal firecracker shops have increased in Ganjam district, a source said Thursday.
The unregulated firecracker trade poses risks of explosions, while gambling often leaves people financially ruined and in mental distress. Incidents of theft also rise during this period.
Ganjam SP Suvendu Kumar Patra has directed all police stations to crack down on illegal gambling and firecracker sales. Following the order, police have been conducting raids across the district.
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Thursday evening, Bellaguntha police raided two locations and seized firecrackers worth about Rs 50,000. Another raid was carried out in Bellaguntha market, where firecrackers worth nearly Rs 40,000 were confiscated. Raids in other areas also led to seizures.
Cases have been registered under Section 5 of the Explosives Act and the Orissa Fireworks and Loudspeaker (Regulation) Act.
In a separate case, Bhanjanagar police raided a gambling den Thursday night and arrested seven persons. Police seized Rs 45,470 from them. A case has been registered under number 1078/25, Bhanjanagar IIC Jibananda Jena said.
PNN