Delhi Police Cracks Down on Illegal LPG Trade in Outer Delhi
In a significant operation targeting the illicit trade of domestic gas cylinders, the Crime Branch of Delhi Police has successfully dismantled a black-marketing syndicate operating in the Rohini-Kanjhawla area of outer Delhi. The authorities recovered a total of 50 LPG cylinders and apprehended two individuals involved in hoarding and unauthorized refilling activities.
Coordinated Raids Lead to Major Seizure
Acting on specific intelligence inputs, a specialized team from the Crime Branch conducted synchronized raids in the Sukhbir Nagar and Rama Vihar localities, where the illegal operations were being conducted. During these raids, police officials seized 50 Indane LPG cylinders, with 29 found filled and 21 empty. Additionally, a vehicle used for transportation and a weighing scale employed in the refilling process were confiscated from the scene.
Father-Son Duo Identified as Key Accused
The arrested individuals have been identified as Kunwar Pal (55) and his son Pankaj Pal (21), both residents of Sukhbir Nagar. According to police investigations, Kunwar Pal was an authorized delivery man associated with an LPG agency, with its registered godown located in Nangloi. Instead of fulfilling his duties by delivering cylinders to legitimate consumers, he allegedly diverted the stock and stored it illegally at his residence.
Modus Operandi and Safety Concerns
During interrogation, it was revealed that the accused utilized unauthorized equipment to refill gas from filled cylinders into empty ones. These refilled cylinders were then sold in the open market at inflated prices, exploiting the LPG distribution system. A senior police officer emphasized the grave risks involved, stating, "The accused were exploiting the LPG distribution system and violating safety norms, posing a serious threat to public safety." The illegal refilling process bypasses standard safety checks, increasing the potential for accidents and hazards.
Legal Actions and Ongoing Investigation
A formal case has been registered under Sections 3 and 7 of the Essential Commodities Act and Section 125 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita at the Crime Branch police station. The investigation is currently ongoing to determine the full scale of the racket and identify any other possible links. Police officials are actively working to ascertain whether additional individuals or agencies were involved in the illegal supply chain, highlighting the broader implications of such activities on the economy and public welfare.
This crackdown underscores the authorities' commitment to curbing black market operations and ensuring the safe distribution of essential commodities like LPG. The seizure and arrests serve as a stern warning against those engaging in similar illegal practices, with further developments expected as the probe continues.
