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Kolkata Police Log 640 Arrests in Diwali Crackdown as AQI Spikes Challenge Firecracker Curbs

Officials cite lower noise this year despite reports of violations after the permitted window.

Overview

  • Of those detained, 451 were held for disorderly conduct, 183 for bursting banned firecrackers and six for gambling.
  • Citywide raids seized roughly 850–852.45 kilograms of illegal fireworks and 68.4 litres of liquor.
  • Traffic police prosecuted about 882 offenders, including 99 booked for drunk driving, alongside penalties for rash driving and helmet violations.
  • The WBPCB allowed only green crackers between 8–10 pm with use kept under 90 decibels, yet complaints surged after 8 pm and police intensified raids.
  • Air monitors reported PM2.5 AQI near 364 at Belur and 361 at Padmapukur versus about 186 at Victoria Memorial, aligning with resident and environmental group concerns over pollution spikes.