Pilibhit Authorities Seize 24 Empty LPG Cylinders in Raid, Suspect Black Marketing
In a decisive operation on Tuesday, the district supply department of Pilibhit conducted a raid at a residence in Sultanpur village, located under the Puranpur Kotwali police station jurisdiction. The action led to the seizure of 24 empty domestic LPG cylinders, highlighting concerns over illegal storage and potential black marketing activities.
Raid Triggered by Tip-Off, Tenant Flees Scene
The raid was initiated following a specific tip-off regarding the unlawful storage of LPG cylinders. Upon arrival, officials discovered the cylinders, but the tenant of the house, identified as Ankit Mishra, was unable to produce valid documentation or offer a satisfactory explanation for their presence. Mishra subsequently absconded from the location, evading immediate questioning by authorities.
Officials Link Seizure to Global Supply Disruptions
Supply inspector Brajesh Mishra, who spearheaded the operation, confirmed that the seized cylinders belonged to major oil corporations: Indian Oil Corporation, Hindustan Petroleum, and Bharat Petroleum. The cylinders have now been officially placed under the custody of a cooking gas agency in Jograjpur for safekeeping.
SDM Ajit Pratap Singh emphasized that the case appears to be connected to illicit LPG trading. Officials suspect that the storage may be related to black marketing, exacerbated by ongoing disruptions in LPG supply chains. These disruptions are partly attributed to the escalating conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel, which has impacted global fuel distribution networks.
Legal Action Initiated Against Accused
Following approval from district magistrate Gyanendra Singh, a First Information Report (FIR) has been registered against the accused at the Seramau North police station. The charges have been filed under Sections 3 and 7 of the Essential Commodities Act, which govern the regulation and control of essential goods to prevent hoarding and black marketing.
SHO Sanjay Kumar assured that efforts are underway to locate and arrest Ankit Mishra promptly. The case underscores the vigilance of local authorities in combating illegal activities that could affect the availability of essential commodities like LPG for consumers.
This incident serves as a reminder of the broader implications of international conflicts on domestic supply chains, prompting increased enforcement actions to safeguard public interests.
