Boudh, Sep 23: In a major crackdown on illegal firecracker storage, police raids continue for the third consecutive day in Purunakatak of Boudh district, Odisha, following a recent explosion that raised serious safety concerns.

Acting on intelligence inputs, the Boudh SDPO confirmed that raids are still underway at multiple locations, including godowns suspected of housing explosive materials.

On Monday, authorities seized nine truckloads of firecrackers valued at over ₹6 crore. The raids were conducted across four key locations in Purunakatak — College Chhak, SBI Colony, the local market area, and a residence in Rugudipali. The operation revealed massive stockpiles of firecrackers and explosive chemicals stored in unsafe conditions.

One of the primary targets of the raid is the godown owned by firecracker dealer Alokdatta Kanti. Police confirmed that the search at his premises will continue on Tuesday as well. The scale of the seizure has shocked officials and locals alike, with workers reportedly exhausted from transporting the enormous quantities of firecrackers.

The raids, which began on the night of September 21, have involved a coordinated team comprising one SDPO, three IICs, bomb disposal squads, IIRB personnel, and a fire department unit. The seized materials are being safely relocated to the IRB battalion premises in Balasingha, Boudh, for secure disposal.

Authorities have emphasized that the raids will persist until all illegal stockpiles are uncovered. The operation has exposed the magnitude of unregulated firecracker trade.

The Boudh SDPO reiterated that the crackdown will continue on Wednesday, ensuring that no hazardous materials remain hidden in residential or commercial areas.

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