Mumbai Police Crack Down on Fireworks Violations During Diwali Celebrations

Mumbai, November 13 (Daily Kiran) : Mumbai police have taken strict measures against individuals violating fireworks regulations during the Diwali festivities. Between November 5 and 11, authorities registered 82 FIRs and issued notices to 110 people for igniting fireworks in public areas.

The crackdown targeted a diverse group, including real estate developers, business professionals, doctors, students, and even senior citizens. According to police data, the highest number of cases, totaling 16, were reported at the Malabar Hill police station. Other notable areas included Powai with 11 cases, Gamdevi with 7, and Dharavi with 6. Additionally, Mahim and Shivaji Park each recorded 5 cases, while Bandra and Kurar had 4 cases each.

In other neighborhoods, three cases were logged in Bangur Nagar, Goregaon, Pant Nagar, and Vikroli, with two cases in Dadar, Sahar, and Shahu Nagar. One case each was reported in Azad Maidan, Kalachowki, Mankhurd, MRA Marg, MIDC, and Nehru Nagar.

This enforcement action follows a Bombay High Court order issued in September, which prohibited the use of fireworks, rockets, laser lights, and high-intensity beams in public spaces from October 6 to December 4. Both Mumbai police and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) are responsible for implementing this directive.

Moreover, the BMC and the Mumbai Disaster Management Authority have imposed a separate ban on rockets and aerial fireworks from November 9 to 25. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations) Akbar Pathan confirmed that violators would face penalties. The police commissioner’s order also restricts the use of loudspeakers, sound amplification devices, music bands, and aerial fireworks during public processions.

In a specific incident, the Azad Maidan police registered an FIR against driver Avinash Saha (34) for allegedly launching three rockets in Kalbadevi. The rockets reportedly struck passing vehicles and a building wall. In Bandra, Pushkar Singh (24) faced action despite receiving two warnings for setting off fireworks. Additionally, chemist Jitendra Yadav (25) in Malabar Hill and student Shreyas Kirkar (19) in Powai were arrested for violating the imposed restrictions.