Hyderabad|India|August'2010: In view of the forthcoming Deepavali Festival, the Hyderabad City Police has been keeping a close surveillance on the manufacturers and stockists of raw material and fire crackers and whole sale business establishments situated in Twin Cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad. It has been decided to conduct surprise checks on the manufacturers and stockists. This is done particularly in the light of major fire accidents that occurred in the past few years in Shanthi Fire works situated at Begumbazar resulting in death of 12 persons (2002) and in the residential area at Joshiwadi under Shahinayatgunj PS in which 13 persons died (2007).

A special drive has been carried out by the Zonal D.Cs.P and D.CsP Task Force. In the process, in all (26) premises have been inspected.

In none of the premises, except one, violations have come to notice during the surprise checks. The exception is in respect of M/s Janatha Crackers at Topkhana in Central Zone. In this regard, a case in Cr.No.123/10 U/s 9 of ES Act has been registered in Begumbazar PS and accused owner of the establishment Mohd. Sallauddin has been arrested.
It is informed that in the interest of public safety, Hyderabad Police will continue such raids till the end of Deepavali Festival season. All the Wholesale dealers and business establishments and stockists are hereby directed to adhere to the norms regarding storage of stocks as laid down in the Explosive Licence. If they violate the licencing conditions, appropriate action will be initiated.

The public are hereby requested to pass on any information about unauthorised storage of fire crackers etc. in the residential areas to the nearest Police Station or to the Commissioner of Police, Hyderabad and their identity will be kept confidential.