A team led by senior police officers of Siliguri Metropolitan Police raided a number of markets across the city and seized 5,000kg of banned firecrackers on Wednesday.

Twenty-five people were arrested during the raids.

“There were reports that some people were selling prohibited firecrackers. Also, some were selling crackers without a valid licence. In all, 5,000kg of firecrackers have been seized and 25 people arrested. Such drives will continue,” said a senior police officer.

“Residents should buy only green firecrackers and burst them only between 8pm and 10pm. Our teams are vigilant. We want citizens to call us at 100 for police aid or report illegal activities.”

Senior officers of Siliguri Metropolitan Police said they had stepped up patrolling. An officer said an all-women two-wheeler squad, raised by the police in Siliguri, would be on vigil, especially in localities where Kali Puja pandals traditionally drew huge crowds.