SOG Cracks Sophisticated Crude Oil Theft Racket with Underground Tunnel Operation
In a major breakthrough, the Special Operations Group (SOG) on Thursday arrested a Ghaziabad-based trader for his alleged involvement in a high-tech crude oil theft racket valued at approximately Rs 6.7 crore. The elaborate operation involved siphoning fuel through a 360-foot underground tunnel from a petroleum pipeline in the Shahjahanpur area of Jaipur.
Arrest of Key Accused in Jaipur
Additional Director General of SOG, Vishal Bansal, identified the arrested individual as Rajeev Singal, a trader from Ghaziabad with around 15 years of experience in the oil trade. Singal was apprehended in Jaipur while he was reportedly heading towards Ajmer. According to Bansal, Singal played a crucial role in the illegal trade by allegedly purchasing stolen crude oil at heavily discounted rates and then routing it into the market, facilitating a structured black-market supply chain.
Discovery of the Theft Operation
The case first came to light in January 2025 when an assistant manager with Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL) reported large-scale theft from a pipeline in the Shahjahanpur region. Subsequent investigations revealed an operation marked by meticulous planning, engineering expertise, and sophisticated surveillance techniques.
Details of the Elaborate Setup
The accused had rented a farm on Belni Road and secured the premises with a 10-foot boundary wall to avoid suspicion. Inside this fortified location, they constructed rooms and an underground chamber. From this chamber, a tunnel nearly 360 feet long was dug to reach and puncture the IOCL pipeline, enabling the illegal siphoning of crude oil.
The site was equipped with CCTV cameras and internet connectivity, allowing for real-time monitoring of activities. This technological setup helped the gang evade detection by authorities for an extended period.
Scale and Duration of the Theft
Investigations indicate that the theft occurred from November 10, 2024, to January 5, 2025. During this period, the gang managed to siphon off approximately 9,58,000 litres of crude oil using 36 tankers. The total estimated value of the stolen oil is around Rs 6.70 crore.
Officials revealed that the stolen crude was allegedly purchased at rates between Rs 30 to Rs 35 per litre, which is significantly below the market rate of about Rs 70 per litre. This price disparity highlights the profitability and organized nature of the black-market operation.
Previous Arrests and Ongoing Investigation
Prior to Singal's arrest, seven other individuals, including the alleged mastermind of the racket, had been taken into custody. The SOG continues to investigate the full extent of the network involved in this sophisticated crude oil theft operation, aiming to dismantle the entire supply chain and prevent future incidents.
