Illegal LPG Cylinder Trade Uncovered at Prominent Lucknow Girls' College
In a significant enforcement action, authorities in Lucknow unearthed an illegal domestic LPG cylinder trade operating from within the premises of a prominent girls' college located in the Hazratganj area on Monday. The operation led to the recovery of four filled LPG cylinders loaded onto an abandoned motorcycle, resulting in the registration of a formal case under the stringent Essential Commodities Act against the registered owner of the vehicle.
Tip-Off Leads to Swift Action
According to the detailed First Information Report (FIR), the entire operation was initiated following a crucial tip-off received by the District Supply Officer of Lucknow from a confidential informer. The specific input indicated that illegal trading activities involving domestic LPG cylinders were being actively conducted within the college campus situated on Rana Pratap Marg.
Acting promptly on this verified intelligence, a specialized team was assembled and dispatched to the location. The team comprised Regional Food Officer Parvez Akhtar from the BKT region and Supply Inspector Harsh Mishra from the Hazratganj jurisdiction. They arrived at the college premises around 1:00 PM to conduct a thorough investigation.
Discovery of Contraband Cylinders
Upon arrival, the officials properly identified themselves to the college security personnel before gaining authorized entry to conduct an extensive search of the grounds. During their meticulous inspection, the enforcement team discovered a black motorcycle parked conspicuously inside the main gate area.
Most notably, the vehicle was found loaded with four fully filled domestic LPG cylinders. At the time of discovery, no individual was present at the spot to claim ownership of either the motorcycle or the suspicious cylinders, nor could anyone provide a legitimate explanation for their presence within the educational institution.
College Denies Involvement
When questioned by the authorities, college staff members uniformly denied any knowledge or connection to the motorcycle and the illicit cylinders. Following all due legal procedures, the four seized LPG cylinders, along with the motorcycle itself, were formally confiscated. They were subsequently handed over to Umesh, the official representative of the Smriti Indane Gas Agency based in Hazratganj, for secure custody.
Investigation Identifies Vehicle Owner
With no suspects immediately available at the scene, authorities proactively contacted the Assistant Regional Transport Officer to ascertain the registered ownership details of the abandoned motorcycle. Official records confirmed that the vehicle was registered under the name of Gaurav Yadav, a resident of the Khadra locality in Lucknow.
College administration officials separately informed the investigating team that the seized cylinders had absolutely no institutional connection or authorization, further distancing the educational establishment from the illegal trade operation.
Legal Action Initiated
Subsequently, based on the evidence gathered and the confirmed vehicle ownership, a formal case has been registered against Gaurav Yadav. The charges have been filed under Sections 3 and 7 of the Essential Commodities Act of 1955, which governs and penalizes the unauthorized trade and hoarding of essential commodities like domestic LPG.
This incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding the illegal diversion and black-market trade of subsidized domestic LPG cylinders, which can pose significant safety risks and economic distortions. The prompt action by supply department officials demonstrates increased vigilance against such activities, particularly in sensitive locations like educational institutions.
