Itahari, November 3:

Explosive materials worth thousands of rupees have been imported from the bordering areas of Sunsari district with the help of police even though the Sunsari district administration has already banned import and sale of explosives including firecrackers during the Tihar festival.

Even though the administration has warned of severe action against those found involved in import and sale of explosive materials, traders have been importing them with the help of the police, locals claimed.

The explosives have been imported from the southern bordering VDCs like Narasingha, Shishuwa, Ghuski, Sahebganj, Kaptangunj and Bhantabari. According to a source, the policemen from the police office of Shishuwa Madhepur of Basantapur have been helping the traders smuggle in the explosive materials. Policemen at the Debangunj Area Police Office allow traders smuggle in the explosives by taking a bribe ranging from Rs 500 to 5,000, the source said.

The Sima Surakchya Bal (SSBs) personnel on theIndian side of the border have also been aiding the traders smuggle the explosives into Nepal, the source added.

The businessmen import the explosives from Phulaka bazaar of India in tempos, jeeps, motorbikes and even in bicycles. DSP Rupam Lama at the district police office said he was unaware of the policemen’s involvement in the illegal businbess.