Uttarakhand STF Cracks Down on Illegal LPG Hoarding in Roorkee
In a significant enforcement action under 'Operation Prahar', the Uttarakhand Special Task Force (STF) conducted a major raid on Saturday, uncovering an illegal LPG storage operation in the South Civil Lines area of Roorkee. The operation resulted in the recovery of 101 domestic gas cylinders, highlighting efforts to combat hoarding and black-marketing amid ongoing supply shortages.
Details of the Raid and Seizure
Acting on specific intelligence regarding the hoarding and illicit sale of LPG cylinders, an STF team executed a targeted raid at a premises in South Civil Lines. Most of the seized cylinders were identified as belonging to 'Indra Gas' and other gasoline companies, indicating a systematic racket. SSP (STF) Ajay Singh stated that inputs had revealed hoarders were stockpiling domestic LPG cylinders illegally and selling them at inflated prices to hotel and dhaba operators, exploiting the current supply crunch.
"The STF team carried out a raid and found 101 illegally stored cylinders from a single location," Singh emphasized, underscoring the scale of the operation. Police identified the premises as owned by Jaiveer Singh, a resident of South Civil Lines, who is allegedly involved in the illegal storage. However, he was not present during the raid, and authorities are continuing their investigation into his role.
Legal Actions and Investigation
Following the seizure, officials from the district food and civil supplies department were summoned to the site to assist with the investigation. All confiscated cylinders have been formally handed over to them after completing due legal procedures. Police have registered a case under sections of the Essential Commodities Act, covering charges of hoarding, distribution, and black marketing of LPG cylinders, with the Civil Lines police station handling the matter.
The STF team responsible for this successful operation included Inspector Abul Kalam, Sub-Inspector Vidya Dutt Joshi, and Head Constables Devendra Mamgain, Mahendra Singh Negi, and Sanjay. Their coordinated efforts under 'Operation Prahar' aim to curb such illegal activities and ensure fair distribution of essential commodities during times of scarcity.
This crackdown comes as authorities intensify vigilance against black-marketing practices that exacerbate supply issues, particularly affecting domestic consumers and small businesses. The STF's proactive measures signal a commitment to enforcing regulations and protecting public interests in Uttarakhand.
