Bhatkal: The Bhatkal Tehsildar and his team conducted visits to approximately eight shops in the town on Wednesday, that were selling firecrackers. They discovered illegal firecracker stock in one shop located near Shamsuddin Circle and imposed a fine of Rs. 500 on the shop owner.

Under the supervision of Tehsildar Tippeswamy, the team visited various shops selling firecrackers, including general stores and grocery shops near Shamsuddin Circle, Old Bus Stand, Main Road, Flower Bazar, and others. They thoroughly inspected these shops and their warehouses where firecrackers were being sold.

During the inspection, the Tehsildar emphasized to the shopkeepers that the unauthorized sale of firecrackers is strictly prohibited and warned that engaging in such sales is a criminal offense. The Tehsildar issued these warnings in accordance with the directives of the district administration.

Present during the operation were Municipal Chief Officer Neelkanth Mesta, Town PSI Shivanand, Hescom Assistant Executive Engineer Manjunath, and other departmental staff.

It's important to note that traditional firecrackers have been banned during processions and weddings, following recent incidents in Bangalore and Haveri where fireworks shops caught fire, resulting in casualties and injuries