Major Diesel Pilfering Racket Busted in Devbhumi Dwarka, Property Worth Rs 81 Lakh Seized
In a significant crackdown on illegal fuel trade, the Special Operations Group (SOG) of Devbhumi Dwarka police has dismantled a sophisticated racket involved in pilfering diesel from fuel tankers and selling it on the black market. The operation led to the arrest of five persons and the seizure of diesel and vehicles with an estimated total value of approximately Rs 81 lakh.
Exploiting Rising Crude Prices for Illegal Gains
Police officials revealed that the criminal gang capitalized on the surge in international crude oil prices to engage in the illicit trade of stolen fuel. Amid escalating global crude prices and ongoing geopolitical tensions, authorities had been maintaining vigilant surveillance over potential black marketing activities involving petroleum products. Acting on a specific and credible tip-off, the SOG conducted a targeted raid on Sunday, which successfully uncovered the illegal operation.
Modus Operandi of the Racket
Investigations into the case have exposed a well-organized scheme masterminded by the prime accused, identified as Mahendrasinh alias Digubha Jadeja, a resident of Danta village. He allegedly conspired with tanker drivers to systematically siphon off diesel from fuel tankers that were transporting supplies to various petrol pumps on behalf of multiple companies.
The drivers, who were employed by tanker owner Rushiraj Jadeja, would methodically pilfer diesel during transit. The stolen fuel was then stored illegally in plastic barrels at a farm located in Danta village. This storage facility operated without any necessary permits, licenses, or fire safety arrangements, presenting a severe hazard due to the highly flammable nature of diesel. Subsequently, the diesel was sold at rates significantly cheaper than the market price to vehicles passing along the highway.
Substantial Seizures and Arrests Made
During the decisive raid, law enforcement authorities confiscated approximately 1,700 litres of diesel, valued at Rs 1.53 lakh. Additionally, four tanker trucks, each estimated to be worth around Rs 20 lakh, were seized. This brings the total value of the confiscated property to about Rs 81 lakh.
The police apprehended five individuals on the spot. Those arrested include:
- Mahendra Jadeja (26), a resident of Danta village.
- Four tanker drivers: Hardev Chudasama (26), Vijay Chudasama (27), Rajdip Chudasama (20), and Dharmaraj Jadeja (23).
Ongoing Investigation and Legal Actions
The tanker owner, Rushiraj Jadeja of Jamnagar, is currently absconding, and intensive efforts are being made to locate and apprehend him. An FIR has been formally registered at the Jam Khambhaliya police station under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Essential Commodities Act. Police are continuing their investigation to identify and dismantle any other links within this criminal syndicate, aiming to completely eradicate such illegal activities in the region.
