Many vendors face FIRs for selling chemical-based colours

Indore: Indore police launched a city-wide crackdown on the sale of harmful chemical-based colours, seizing large quantities of industrial-grade substances allegedly sold for festive use and registering multiple FIRs against vendors.Teams carried out surprise inspections in major markets, checking shops selling colours and gulal. During the drive, police not only examined the quality of products on sale, but also warned traders against stocking or selling colours containing hazardous chemicals that could pose risks to skin, eyes and respiratory health.In Banganga, officers seized industrial-use colours that were clearly marked as not meant for direct skin application, but were sold in the retail market for Holi. In addition, acting on complaints raised during mohalla meetings, police confiscated 87 sacks, weighing 2.175 quintal of a substance locally known as Ramraj, which residents said was often thrown at women and children, causing eye irritation and discomfort. As the product is meant strictly for industrial purposes, its use as a colour was prohibited.Central Kotwali North police seized nearly 100 sacks of Ramraj from a shop and warehouse in the area. In Annapurna, police lodged three FIRs against vendors found selling colours manufactured solely for industrial use. During inspections near Dussehra Maidan and Futikothi, police seized banned chemical-based colours from the possession of Prakash Sahu, a resident of Rishi Palace; Kishore Agrawal, a resident of Rishi Nagar and Dharam Lodhi, a resident of Dwarkapuri. Separate cases were registered against them.