Police in Rajkot have taken legal action against the management of a local industrial unit for a significant case of alleged natural gas theft. The Shapar Veraval police station registered a criminal case following the discovery of an illegal connection that bypassed official meters.
Surprise Inspection Uncovers Alleged Theft
The alleged malpractice came to light after a surprise inspection by a technical team from Gujarat Gas Limited (GGL). Acting on information or suspicion, officials conducted a raid at the Ether Corporation facility located on Markat Polymers Road in the Shapar Veraval industrial zone on the night of November 21.
The inspection revealed that the company had reportedly illegally tapped into the main GGL pipeline, completely bypassing the official metering system. This setup allowed the unit to consume gas without it being recorded or paid for.
Scale of the Financial and Safety Breach
A subsequent technical audit conducted by Gujarat Gas Limited estimated the scale of the theft. The audit found that the Ether Corporation unit had unlawfully consumed approximately 59,000 units of natural gas over the past year.
The financial impact of this theft was substantial. The estimated loss to the state utility company is around Rs 45 lakh (4.5 million rupees). Gujarat Gas, which supplies to over 566 industrial consumers in the Shapar Veraval area alone, emphasized the seriousness of the crime beyond just finances.
"Theft of natural gas is not just a financial crime; it is a major safety hazard that risks high-pressure leaks and explosions in industrial zones," a GGL official stated. The company has announced it has intensified its program of surprise inspections to deter such dangerous and illegal practices.
Legal Action and Charges Filed
Following the investigation, the police have registered a formal offence against five individuals associated with the company's management. The accused have been named as Kishan Bhalodiya, Jay Sabhaya, Dinesh Sabhaya, Sejal Jankar, and Dharmshi Bhalodiya.
The case has been filed under specific sections of the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which recently replaced the Indian Penal Code. The charges include:
- Section 287: Negligent conduct with respect to machinery.
- Section 303(2): Theft.
- Section 324(5): Mischief causing damage.
- Section 317: Endangering life or personal safety of others.
This case highlights the ongoing challenges faced by utility companies in preventing pilferage and the serious legal consequences for those attempting such acts. The use of the new BNS sections also marks a notable application of the recently enacted criminal code.
