Illegal cracker sale goes on in Khanna

Gurminder Grewal

Khanna, October 18

Despite the orders of the High Court (HC) and directions issued by senior officials regarding the sale of crackers only at the designated places, the Khanna administration has failed to implement the same.

A ground earmarked for the sale of crackers near Atwal Palace, Khanna, wore a deserted look as vendors failed to utilise the place. Cracker stalls were seen set up in different parts of the city. The main bazaar, including Amloh road, railway road, books market and Guru Amar Dass market, were seen abuzz with the sale of crackers whereas only three persons have been allotted licence.

Khanna Executive Officer (EO) Ravneet Singh did not respond to the phone calls while the SDM’s contact number was out of reach.

When contacted, Ludhiana Deputy Commissioner (DC) Pardeep Aggarwal said he would get it checked and seek a report from the officials concerned.

Meanwhile, a local resident, Harsh Bhalla, informed the police about the sale of crackers at the books market, following which a police team reached the spot for crackdown and the vendors removed their stalls in no time.

Khanna SSP NS Mahal said he had received a complaint about the sale of crackers at the books market, but it was stopped by a police team. He said action would be taken if the police receive any complaint in this regard.