Hapur Police Crack Down on Illegal LPG Cylinder Trade Amid Shortages
In a significant enforcement action, Hapur police and the district supply department conducted a joint operation on Friday, resulting in the arrest of a resident from Asouda village. The individual was apprehended for allegedly engaging in the illegal storage and sale of LPG cylinders at exorbitant prices, exploiting reported shortages across several districts in Uttar Pradesh.
Details of the Raid and Seizure
Acting on a credible tip-off regarding unauthorized storage activities near the Panchayati Ghar, officials executed a coordinated raid at the residence of Abdul Rehan. During the operation, authorities confiscated a total of 32 cylinders, comprising 18 filled and 14 empty units. The seized cylinders have been transferred to a Bharat Gas distributor for secure custody while awaiting further legal directives.
District Supply Officer Preeti Rani confirmed the details, stating, "The joint raid was initiated based on specific intelligence, and the recovered cylinders are now under proper supervision to prevent any misuse."
Confession and Investigation Findings
During interrogation, Rehan admitted to owning the recovered cylinders and disclosed that he had been procuring filled cylinders from various hawkers over the past year. He reportedly sold these cylinders to local villagers, profiting by Rs 20 to Rs 30 per cylinder. His statement has been formally recorded by the authorities as part of the ongoing investigation.
Residents of the area have leveled serious allegations against Rehan, accusing him of capitalizing on the cylinder shortage by operating a black market. One villager recounted, "Exploiting the scarcity, he was demanding up to Rs 2,000 per cylinder, far above the standard rates, causing distress in our community."
Legal Implications and Official Statements
District Magistrate Abhishek Pandey emphasized the gravity of the offense, noting that such illegal storage and sale of domestic LPG cylinders for profiteering contravenes the Liquefied Petroleum Gas (Supply and Distribution Regulation) Order, 2000, as amended. He further clarified, "This unlawful activity is punishable under sections 3 and 7 of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, which are designed to curb hoarding and ensure fair distribution of essential goods."
The authorities have launched a comprehensive investigation to uncover further details and identify any potential accomplices involved in this illicit trade. This crackdown highlights the ongoing efforts to address supply chain disruptions and protect consumers from exploitation during periods of scarcity.
