Crime Branch bans storage of explosives in PS malkhanas

BHUBANESWAR: The Crime Branch has banned the storage of explosive materials in police stations and directed senior police officers in districts to conduct a safety audit of the store rooms (malkhanas) of police stations across the state within a week.
A circular in this regard was sent on Thursday after a huge quantity of seized crackers that were stashed in the storeroom of Balanga police station in Puri district exploded on Tuesday, causing severe damage to the building. Though no injury or casualty was reported, the handling of seized crackers and explosive materials in police stations came under question.
“We have sent the circular to the DCPs in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack and SPs in districts to ensure safe custody of seized crackers, explosives and other highly inflammable substances in the police station malkhanas,” additional director general of police (Crime Branch) Sanjeeb Panda said.
Panda said the DCPs and SPs have been asked to sensitise the staff in the police stations not to store crackers and other inflammable substances in the malkhanas. In unavoidable circumstances where there is a necessity to store the crackers in the malkhanas, the staff of the police stations should immediately consult the bomb disposal experts, defuse/destroy the crackers and take necessary precautions. Permission should be obtained from concerned courts before destruction of the crackers.
“For the safety of the staff and visitors at the police stations, it is imperative to take precautions and follow safety standards while keeping seized articles, especially explosive and corrosive materials in the storerooms,” the circular said.
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