In a major crackdown on an organized fuel theft racket, the Special Operations Group (SOG) of Surat police conducted a raid on Kidiabet island, located in the Tapi river estuary. The operation led to the seizure of a substantial 14,200 litres of marine diesel, valued at approximately Rs 10.67 lakh, which was stored in 71 barrels.
Modus Operandi of the Diesel Theft Racket
According to police officials, the racket involved multiple gangs operating with a well-planned method. The gangs would venture about 15 kilometres into the sea off Hazira in boats, each carrying 10 to 15 empty barrels and electric pumps. After allegedly bribing crew members on ships anchored offshore, they would siphon off marine diesel. The stolen fuel was then transported back and stored at various hidden locations on the secluded Kidiabet island to avoid police detection.
An SOG official stated that the raid was executed based on specific intelligence about a large cache of diesel stored on the island. "We seized 71 barrels of diesel. We suspect more barrels are stored on the island," the official added. The island's difficult terrain, described as muddy and inhabited by venomous creatures, hampered a complete search, leading police to believe more contraband remains hidden.
Key Suspects and Legal Action
During the raid, police encountered workers on the island who identified the alleged masterminds as Rajesh Patel, Tejas Patel, and Jenish. The diesel was seized under Section 106 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, which grants power to seize property suspected to be stolen.
DCP (SOG) Rajdeep Nakum detailed the next steps, saying, "We are examining the call data records (CDRs) of the primary suspects. Once statements are secured, the CDR analysis is complete, and the accused are identified, we will file an FIR." The case will be registered under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including 303(2), 316(3), 61(2), 387, and 388.
Illegal Supply Chain to Shrimp Farms
Police sources revealed the economic motive behind the theft. The accused had a fixed-rate agreement with ship crews, paying them Rs 35 per litre for the pilfered diesel. The gangs then supplied the stolen fuel to illegal shrimp farms operating in and around Surat, near areas like Hazira, Gaviyar, Dumas, and Sultanabad, at a doubled price of Rs 70 per litre.
The operation faced a minor setback when gang members were alerted to police movement near the island. Before the authorities could secure the area, some suspects fled by jumping into the creek. Police also discovered that several barrels had been thrown into the water in an attempt to dispose of evidence.
This raid highlights a sophisticated organized crime operation exploiting maritime resources and supplying illegal businesses, prompting a deeper investigation by the Surat SOG.
