Ahilyanagar Police Crack Down on Illegal LPG Refilling Operation
In a significant crackdown, the local crime branch of the Ahilyanagar police has dismantled a major illegal LPG refilling racket in Kamargaon, leading to the arrest of four individuals. The operation, which took place late on Monday, resulted in the seizure of materials valued at over Rs 2 crore, highlighting the scale of this illicit activity.
Raid Uncovers Hazardous Gas Transfer Methods
Acting on specific intelligence, a team led by inspector Kirankumar Kabadi targeted the parking area of Renuka Dahi Misal eatery along the Pune-Ahilyanagar highway in Kamargaon Shivar. Sub-inspector Sameer Abhang and his team confirmed that LPG was being illegally siphoned from three tanker capsules into commercial cylinders using unauthorized and dangerous techniques. The police swiftly conducted a raid, apprehending the accused in the act.
The arrested individuals have been identified as:
- Sachin Bodhale, 31, from Dharashiv
- Manik Gutte, 32, from Beed
- Ulhas Kavde, 32, from Dharashiv
- Amrit Balasaheb Thokale, 33, from Kamargaon, Ahilyanagar
Confessions and Seized Items Reveal Racket's Scale
During interrogation, the accused admitted to operating without any government license, refilling gas from tanker capsules into commercial cylinders for financial gain. Ahilyanagar superintendent of police Somnath Gharge stated that the tanker capsules had been filled at a plant in Chakan and were en route to Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.
The seized items included:
- 57.2 tonnes of LPG worth Rs 30.5 lakh
- Three HP gas tanker capsules valued at Rs 1.6 crore
- 20 Bharat Gas cylinders (two filled and 18 empty) worth Rs 60,000
- An Ashok Leyland tempo valued at Rs 5 lakh
- Pipes, nozzles, and other equipment used for gas transfer
The total value of all seized materials amounted to Rs 2,01,09,628.
Public Safety Concerns and Legal Actions
SP Gharge emphasized that the accused were engaging in illegal LPG refilling without any safety protocols, posing a grave risk to themselves and the public. He warned that such activities would be dealt with strictly. Inspector Kabadi noted that the operation was carried out using makeshift arrangements, which could have led to a major accident, and that investigations are ongoing to determine if more individuals are involved.
A case has been registered at the Ahilyanagar taluka police station under BNS sections 287 and 288, along with provisions of the Essential Commodities Act, LPG (Supply and Distribution) Order, Gas Cylinder Rules, and the Explosives Act. Further investigation is currently underway to uncover the full extent of this racket.
