Dikhyaa Mohanty 
Three people were arrested in connection with the mishap at the firecracker show in Odisha’s Kendrapara district in which 40 people sustained burn injuries. Those arrested were identified as Arakhit Mallick, Chintu Das and Bharat Chandra Mallick. They are the organisers of the firecracker show, which was held on Wednesday in Balia market in Kendrapara Sadar police station area without any permission, police said.
According to the reports, the firecracker show was held illegally on the Cuttack-Chandbali Road, blocking vehicular traffic, during the immersion processions of Kartikeswar idols. Those arrested were booked under IPC sections 337 (causing hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of others), 338 (causing grievous hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of others) and 286 (negligent conduct with respect to explosive substance), police said.
The organisers had not obtained permission for holding such an event on the road. In the course of the investigation, it was found that sparks fell on a place igniting the firecrackers stored there, the police officer said.
The display of fireworks during the immersion of Kartikeswar idols is part of local tradition. Around nine Puja committees participated in the show, which was held in the presence of hundreds of people.
