As Diwali approaches, the sale of firecrackers has intensified in Silao market, but alarming lapses in safety standards have come to light. An investigation by the fire department revealed that none of the three wholesale firecracker shops operating in Silao market possessed a valid sales license. Furthermore, these shops lacked adequate fire safety arrangements.

On Saturday, Fire Department Sub-Officer Mohd. Ali Ansari, along with his team, inspected firecracker shops in Silao market. During the inspection, three wholesale shops belonging to Sanjay Kumar, Mohd. Taslim, and Mohd. Qasim were found to be operating. However, none of the shop owners could produce a valid license for selling firecrackers. Despite this, a large quantity of firecrackers was being stored and sold openly.

When questioned, the SDO admitted to not having complete information about these firecracker shops. This situation raises serious concerns about firecracker sales and safety arrangements in densely populated market areas during the festive season. The fire department is now trying to ascertain the source of these firecrackers and their supply chain, as the shopkeepers failed to provide clear information. The inspection team also included Head Fireman Anoop Kumar and Head Driver Raju Kumar. According to local sources, several wholesale firecracker shops operate in both Rajgir and Silao.