Noida Authorities Bust Illegal LPG Refilling Racket in Dadri, Arrest One
A joint team comprising officials from the district supply department and local police successfully dismantled an illicit LPG refilling operation in Dadri, Noida. The racket was involved in the unauthorized transfer of gas from standard domestic cylinders into smaller, non-standard cylinders for illegal sale.
Arrest and Seizure Details
One individual, identified as Vinay Kumar, a resident of Dadri originally from Etah, has been apprehended and formally charged under the provisions of the Essential Commodities Act. During the operation, authorities confiscated a total of 13 domestic LPG cylinders alongside specialized equipment used for the illegal gas transfer process.
Smriti Gautam, the officer-in-charge of the district supply department, provided detailed insights into the raid. "The operation was executed at approximately 5 PM on Saturday at a residential property located in Tulsi Vihar Colony near Nathu Chowk," Gautam stated. The premises were confirmed to belong to the accused, Vinay Kumar.
Recovered Items and Equipment
During a thorough search of the site, officials discovered two fully filled 14.2 kg domestic LPG cylinders and eleven empty domestic cylinders from various prominent oil companies, including Bharat Petroleum, Indane (Indian Oil), and Hindustan Petroleum. Additionally, a 5 kg cylinder lacking the mandatory ISI certification was also recovered.
The equipment seized included an electronic weighing machine, a refilling apparatus fitted with iron and brass nozzles, and a regulator connected to a rubber pipe. Gautam emphasized the severe implications of such illegal activities, noting, "These unauthorized rackets frequently disrupt the regulated supply chain of LPG cylinders. Moreover, they present a significant safety hazard, as the use of non-standard cylinders substantially increases the risks of gas leaks and potential explosions."
Legal Proceedings and Public Appeal
Apart from Kumar, several unidentified individuals have been named in the First Information Report (FIR) registered in connection with the case. Legal actions are currently in progress, as confirmed by a police officer involved in the investigation.
Police authorities have urged local residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities related to LPG supply and usage. They reiterated that stringent measures will be enforced against anyone found participating in such unlawful operations.
District Magistrate's Surprise Inspection
In a related development, District Magistrate Medha Roopam conducted an unannounced inspection of a gas agency in Ghanghola village, Greater Noida, on Tuesday. The inspection focused on the HP Gas facility, where Roopam meticulously reviewed stock records, assessed cylinder availability, examined transport vehicles, and evaluated overall operational arrangements.
During the inspection, several lapses were identified, including the delayed arrival of the warehouse in-charge and various management deficiencies. Roopam directed officials to implement stricter compliance measures to address these issues. Emphasizing the importance of accountability, she stated, "Transparency within the gas distribution system must be guaranteed, and cylinders should be delivered safely to all eligible beneficiaries."
Directives for Improved Operations
Roopam issued specific instructions to enhance operational standards at the agency. These included maintaining and securing all registers properly, ensuring the full functionality of CCTV cameras, and strictly adhering to safety norms during transportation. Noting the insufficient security presence, she also directed local police to deploy adequate personnel at the agency site.
Issuing a stern warning against negligence, Roopam declared, "Any deficiencies identified within the system will result in strict disciplinary action." This comprehensive approach underscores the administration's commitment to curbing illegal activities and ensuring the safe, regulated distribution of essential commodities like LPG.
