Police seized 32 packets of firecrackers from a shop in Maharajgunj, Kathmandu, and arrested the shopkeeper.

Deputy Superintendent of Police Umesh Lansal at the Maharajgunj-based Metropolitan Police Circle identified the shopkeeper as Gita Sharma, 33, who hails from Baglung district.

“No one is allowed to smuggle, distribute, sell or use firecrackers. Anyone caught with firecrackers would be charged under the Public Offence Act,” said Lamsal.

Police have increased their security surveillance in the Capital city and other parts of Kathmandu Valley ahead of the upcoming Tihar festival. Besides keeping a close eye on incidents like burglary and robbery, which usually witness a spike during festival season, police are also busting illicit gambling joints and sale of firecrackers.

“We have stepped up our inspection across the Valley as Tihar nears. The inspection will run during the festival time as well,” said Senior Superintendent of Police Kiran Bajracharya, spokesperson at the Ranipokhari-based Metropolitan Police Office.

“We have divided the policing work into various sub-groups to work efficiently and effectively during Tihar.”

On Saturday, a police team raided the house of Jit BK in Tokha, Kathmandu, and arrested nine gamblers. The team also seized more than Rs 200,000 from the arrestees.
As many as 32 people were arrested on Saturday for various offences, including the sale of firecrackers and gambling, according to Lamsal.

Police officers, both in uniform and plainclothes, have been mobilised to respond to crimes, restrict firecrackers’ sale, bust illegal gambling joints and patrol the streets and neighbourhoods of Kathmandu.

“The number of quick response teams, patrol units, sniffer dogs and reserve units have also been increased,” said Senior Superintendent of Police Uttam Raj Subedi.