BHUBANESWAR: Director General of Police Dr R P Sharma on Friday issued an advisory to all the district SPs and Twin City DCPs to implement the Supreme Court’s order on the use of firecrackers during Diwali and other festivities, including weddings, in ‘letter and spirit’.
The DGP instructed inspectors and the officers-in-charge to ensure that bursting of firecrackers should be allowed between 8 pm and 10 pm on Diwali and between 11.15 pm and 12.30 am on Christmas and during New Year celebrations. The cops were also directed to make sure that the banned firecrackers are not sold.
Dr Sharma warned that if any violation is found in any area, the IIC/OIC of the police station concerned will be held liable and this would amount to contempt of court. The officers should ensure that firecrackers are sold only by licensed traders. Besides, the police stations have also been directed to prepare a list of firecracker dealers and traders.
The advisory also highlighted the apex court’s order banning online sale of crackers and asked the police to take steps accordingly. The police were instructed to hold extensive public awareness campaigns in schools, colleges and localities by utilising print, electronic and social media and inform people about the harmful effects of the firecrackers.
Advisory on violent protests
Following large-scale damage to property during the recent Puri bandh, the DGP issued an advisory to all the district SPs and Twin City DCPs for putting the liability on persons, groups or organisations giving a call for agitations leading to violence as per the Supreme Court’s order.
The DGP instructed that if an agitation leads to violence and causes damage to property, police officers concerned should register FIR, complete probe within the statutory period and submit a report. Dr Sharma also warned that any failure to file FIRs and conduct investigations without any sufficient cause will be considered as dereliction of duty and can lead to departmental action.
The DGP also said if any procession or demonstration turns violent, the officer in-charge should ensure that the entire incident is video recorded and the footage properly examined and used as evidence. The advisory further stated that the local police should immediately inform the Crime Branch with reports of untoward events, including damage, if any.