In a significant breakthrough, the Patna police on Wednesday solved a high-value chemical theft case in Fatuha, arresting three individuals and recovering the stolen consignment. The investigation unveiled that the reported theft of highly flammable naphtha worth Rs 25 lakh was an elaborate drama staged by the tanker driver himself for illegal sale.
The Staged Theft Drama Unfolds
The incident came to light when a tanker transporting full-range naphtha from Gujarat to Kolkata was allegedly stolen in the Fatuha area. The driver, Jagdish Chaudhary, a resident of Barmer in Rajasthan, informed the tanker owner, Naseem Hussain from Howrah, about the theft. Acting on the complaint, Hussain reached Fatuha and filed a formal written report at the local police station on Tuesday.
However, during the initial probe, inconsistencies emerged in the driver's statement. Fatuha SDPO-1, Awdhesh Kumar, stated that technical evidence and sustained interrogation led Chaudhary to confess. The driver admitted he fabricated the entire theft story out of greed, intending to illegally sell the valuable chemical in Fatuha's industrial area for personal profit.
Police Raids and Arrests
Acting on the driver's information, a special police team conducted swift raids across the Fatuha Industrial Area. The operation led to the arrest of two more accused: Amit Kumar Prasad from Siwan and Shambhu Kumar from Parsa Bazar in Patna.
From the accused, police made crucial recoveries:
- 2,400 litres of stolen naphtha chemical, contained in 12 drums.
- Two pickup vehicles used to transport the stolen chemical.
- One car used in the commission of the crime.
- Three mobile phones.
In total, three vehicles used in the crime were seized by the authorities.
Understanding the Stolen Chemical: Naphtha
The recovered chemical, naphtha, is a highly important and extremely flammable petrochemical. Its common industrial uses include:
- Manufacturing nail polish, paints, and thinners.
- Production of various plastic products.
- Preparation of high-grade fuel.
- Acting as a solvent for cleaning industrial machinery.
Its volatile nature made the illegal sale and handling particularly dangerous, raising serious safety concerns.
The police have successfully cracked the case, ensuring the hazardous material is recovered and the perpetrators are behind bars. The investigation highlights how meticulous police work and technical analysis can unravel even well-planned deceptive crimes.
