In a startling discovery, the Pal police in Surat have registered a case against seven persons for allegedly storing highly flammable and dangerous chemicals illegally at a restaurant located on the busy Bhesan-Hazira highway. The legal action came after a forensic report confirmed the nature of the seized substances.
The Raid and Forensic Findings
The operation was conducted on December 14 by a joint team from the Zone-7 Local Crime Branch (LCB) and the Ichhapore police. Acting on specific intelligence that stolen chemicals were being hoarded, the authorities raided the Chamunda Kathiyawadi Dhaba.
It was only after receiving the forensic analysis report that the police formally lodged a First Information Report (FIR) on January 4. The scientific examination revealed that four different types of hazardous materials were being stored on the premises without any authorization. The identified chemicals were methyl methacrylate, toluene, 2-ethyl-1-hexanol, and a specific specification of automotive diesel.
Modus Operandi of the Accused
Investigations by the police unveiled a dangerous racket. The accused individuals are alleged to have been involved in stealing various chemicals from trucks transporting these materials. After pilfering the chemicals, they would then store them temporarily at the highway eatery before selling them off in the market, adding a profit margin for themselves.
This illicit operation not only posed a severe threat to public safety due to the volatile nature of the stored substances but also caused financial losses to the transport and chemical industries.
Legal Action and the Accused
The Pal police have booked the following seven individuals in connection with this case: Ladulal Khatik, Om Prakash Rao, Sureshchandra Khatik, Vikas Bhand, Bharat alias Michal Bharwad, Bharat Bharwad, and Danabhai Bharwad.
The charges against them pertain to the illegal possession and storage of explosive materials, theft, and endangering lives and property. The location of the crime, a restaurant on a major highway, significantly amplified the risk, as any accidental fire or explosion could have led to a major catastrophe.
This case highlights the ongoing efforts by Gujarat police to crack down on illegal activities involving hazardous materials and underscores the importance of vigilance in preventing such dangerous trades that jeopardize community safety.
