In a major crackdown, Kanpur police on Sunday busted a gang involved in stealing oil from Indian Oil tankers and arrested four accused. The police also recovered an Indian Oil tanker filled with approximately 15,000 litres of oil, 35 litres of stolen diesel, and Rs 36,150 in cash, officials said.
Background of the Operation
The action followed longstanding complaints of oil shortage and theft from Indian Oil tankers. On Sunday, the Panki police received a tip-off that some individuals were siphoning off oil from a tanker near Armapur canal and selling it. Acting swiftly on the information, a police team raided the spot.
Arrest of the Accused
As soon as the accused spotted the police, a commotion broke out. However, four accused were apprehended after being surrounded. During interrogation, they were identified as Sheikh Sain Akhtar alias Shanu, tanker driver Pushpendra Singh Chandel, Rohit Saini, and Ashish Srivastava.
Modus Operandi
Police investigation revealed that Sheikh Sain Akhtar alias Shanu was in charge of operating the tankers. He would lure tanker drivers with promises of extra money to steal oil en route. The stolen oil was subsequently sold to locals at a lower price.
Recovery and Evidence
Police suspect that the gang had been active in this racket for a long time and had siphoned off and sold oil from tankers on multiple occasions. From the spot, police seized the Indian Oil tanker filled with approximately 15,000 litres of oil. Additionally, 35 litres of stolen diesel stored in two drums and Rs 36,150 in cash were also recovered.
Police Statement
Deputy Commissioner of Police (West) SM Qasim Abidi said that complaints of continuous oil theft from Indian Oil tankers had been received. Taking the matter seriously, a police team had been deployed for surveillance. He stated that several important leads have been obtained from the accused during interrogation. Police are searching for other people linked to the gang, and they will be arrested and sent to jail soon.
This operation marks a significant step in curbing the theft of petroleum products in the region.
