In a significant crackdown, police in Jharkhand's Deoghar district have apprehended five individuals who were allegedly planning a major theft of crude oil from a national pipeline. The arrests were made on Wednesday, thwarting a planned operation to tap into the Indian Oil Corporation Limited's (IOCL) critical Paradip-Haldia-Barauni pipeline.
The Arrest and Seizure
Acting on a specific tip-off, a police team raided a hotel in the Jasidih area of Deoghar and took the five accused into custody. The men are believed to be part of a larger inter-state gang specializing in such thefts. Subdivisional Police Officer (SDPO) Ashok Kumar stated that a substantial amount of incriminating evidence was recovered from the accused.
"Several mobile phones, multimedia devices, and videos directly related to their criminal activities were seized," SDPO Kumar said. He further detailed that the police also confiscated specialized equipment intended for the theft. This equipment included plastic section pipes, various tools, and other accessories specifically designed for piercing the high-pressure pipeline.
Modus Operandi and Planning
According to the police investigation, the gang had conducted detailed reconnaissance of the crude oil pipelines, which traverse through remote forest areas in the region. After surveying the terrain, they had reportedly zeroed in on a specific spot to execute their plan to tap the line and siphon off the crude oil.
The Paradip-Haldia-Barauni pipeline is a strategic asset for India's energy infrastructure, transporting refined petroleum products. An attempt to breach it not only causes significant financial loss but also poses serious environmental and safety risks, including the potential for fires and explosions.
Broader Implications and Ongoing Probe
The successful pre-emptive arrest highlights the ongoing challenge of fuel theft from pipelines, often carried out by organized networks. The police have indicated that the inter-state connections of the gang are being thoroughly investigated to uncover the entire network, including potential receivers and distributors of the stolen crude oil.
The case underscores the continuous efforts by law enforcement and oil companies to secure the country's extensive pipeline network against such criminal enterprises. The five accused are currently in police custody and are being questioned for further details about their associates and past activities.
