Kolkata, Oct. 21 -- Despite official restrictions and time limits, Diwali night in Kolkata was marked by relentless fireworks that continued well past midnight, flouting both legal norms and public appeals for restraint.
From Dum Dum to New Town, Jadavpur to Park Street, and Bidhannagar, the city's skyline erupted with loud crackers, causing widespread distress, particularly among children, the elderly, and those with health conditions.
Yet, Kolkata Police Commissioner Manoj Verma painted a more optimistic picture.
Addressing the media today, Verma claimed that the city's Diwali was "significantly better" than last year's, with noise levels remaining below 90 decibels-well within the permissible limit of 125 decibels.
He also stated tha...