Ahilyanagar Police Crack Down on Major Aviation Fuel Theft Operation
In a significant crackdown on illegal fuel trade, the Ahilyanagar police have successfully dismantled a sophisticated racket involved in the theft and black-market sale of Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF). The operation, conducted on Sunday, led to the arrest of three individuals and the seizure of stolen ATF valued at over ₹45 lakh.
Swift Action Based on Intelligence Tip-Off
Acting on a crucial tip-off, a dedicated team from the Local Crime Branch (LCB), under the expert guidance of Superintendent of Police Somnath Gharge, was conducting routine patrols in the Belvandi area. The intelligence indicated the presence of an illegal ATF storage facility concealed behind a restaurant in Gavhanewadi.
Without delay, the police team launched a raid on the suspected location. They caught the accused red-handed as they were actively transferring ATF from a tanker into large storage drums. The prompt response prevented further distribution of the stolen fuel into the black market.
Identification of the Accused and Confession
The arrested individuals have been identified as Mukesh Singh (26) and Rambhavan Rajput (32), both hailing from Uttar Pradesh, along with Chandu Jambhalkar (41), a resident of Gavhanewadi in Srigonda taluka of Ahilyanagar.
During subsequent interrogation, the trio confessed to their involvement in the illicit operation. They admitted to breaking the seal of the tanker to steal the high-value Aviation Turbine Fuel, with the explicit intention of selling it illegally for substantial profit.
Massive Seizure of Assets and Fuel
The police operation resulted in the confiscation of articles with a total estimated value exceeding ₹88.5 lakh. The seized items include:
- A tanker containing 28,000 litres of ATF, valued at approximately ₹45 lakh.
- The tanker vehicle itself, worth around ₹40 lakh.
- An additional 12,000 litres of ATF stored across six large drums, with an estimated value of ₹1.9 lakh.
- Various other items related to the illegal storage and transfer operation.
Legal Charges and Ongoing Investigation
Inspector Kiran Kabadi of the LCB confirmed that a formal case has been registered against the accused at the Belwandi police station. The charges are severe and multifaceted, encompassing:
- Sections 287 (negligent conduct with respect to fire or combustible matter), 318(4) (cheating), and 303(2) (theft) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
- Relevant sections of the Essential Commodities Act.
- Provisions under The Explosives Act, 1884, due to the highly flammable nature of ATF.
The investigation remains active, with police authorities diligently working to trace and apprehend other members believed to be involved in this extensive racket. The successful bust highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to curb the illegal trade of essential commodities and ensure public safety.
