Kolkata Police arrested 11 people and seized 49 kilograms of prohibited firecrackers during an enforcement operation on Kali Puja night, while 57 others were arrested on allegations of indecent behaviour, according to a report by Anandabazar – Kolkata. By 8.30 pm on Sunday, the total number of arrests recorded in the police action had reached 68.
The operation was conducted across different parts of the city to prevent the use of banned firecrackers and maintain public order during the festival. Police and the administration had increased surveillance ahead of Kali Puja to prevent incidents and respond to violations during the celebrations.
The state government had issued guidelines before Kali Puja on when and where firecrackers could be used. Firecrackers were permitted between 8 pm and 10 pm on Diwali and Kali Puja night. The guidelines also warned of legal action against the use of firecrackers other than those approved as green crackers by the pollution control board.
Firecracker use was prohibited within 100 metres of areas designated as silence zones, including school and hospital premises. The authorities had also announced that compliance with these restrictions would be monitored during the festival.
According to the report, sounds of firecrackers were heard in several parts of Kolkata from Sunday evening. Complaints about the use of loud firecrackers increased in some areas as the night progressed, prompting police action. The reported enforcement focused on curbing noise violations and preventing disturbances during the celebrations.
The operation continued after police recorded the arrests and seizure by 8.30 pm. The report also stated that firecracker sounds were heard in some areas even after the permitted 8 pm-to-10 pm window had ended, indicating continuing enforcement challenges after the authorised period.
