Mayurbhanj, Oct 16: In a major crackdown, police on Wednesday evening seized a large quantity of explosive materials allegedly meant for illegal firecracker production from a rented asbestos-roofed house in Padmanabhpur village under Baishinga police limits in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district.

Acting on a tip-off, a joint team led by Betanoti SDPO Minati Biswal and Baishinga IIC Barini Das, along with Additional Tehsildar Ishwar Chandra Rana, raided the house. The property, located in a densely populated area, was under lock and key and owned by a local resident. The lock was broken in the presence of officials and the house owner.

To the shock of all present, the house was found to be fully stocked with materials used for making firecrackers. Police, with the help of locals and under tight security, seized 107 sacks of explosive substances, three drums of metal powder, and quantities of gunpowder. The seized items were transported in three pickup vans to the Baishinga police station.

The discovery has triggered panic among residents, with concerns raised over the storage of such a large quantity of explosives in the heart of a village. Sources revealed that the materials were possibly being supplied to illegal firecracker units operating in nearby Bachuripada village.

Police have registered a case and initiated an investigation. Multiple individuals are being questioned in connection with the case. Officials have confirmed that a bomb disposal squad will be deployed on Thursday to safely destroy the seized explosives.