Major LPG Pilferage Racket Busted in Maharashtra, Gas for 2,480 Households Seized
A state-level flying squad, in coordination with district officials, conducted a dramatic late-night raid on an open plot near Hotel Saiyash on Vaijapur Road in Gangapur taluka, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. The operation, which took place around 9:45 PM on Thursday, successfully dismantled an alleged large-scale LPG pilferage racket, leading to significant seizures and arrests.
Massive Haul and Immediate Arrests
The raid resulted in the confiscation of LPG sufficient to meet the needs of approximately 2,480 households. In addition, authorities seized two LPG tanker capsules and various pieces of equipment used in the illegal operation. The total estimated value of the seized items is a staggering Rs 1.26 crore.
Two tanker drivers were apprehended at the scene during the raid. Overall, four individuals have been formally booked in connection with the racket, with two of them subsequently placed under arrest. The swift action highlights the seriousness with which authorities are tackling such illicit activities.
Intelligence-Led Operation and Hazardous Methods
Commissioner of Police Pravin Patil revealed that the racket is suspected of diverting LPG intended for industrial supply into the black market for substantial profit. The operation was initiated based on a specific tip-off received by Chandrakant Dange, the Controller of Rationing and Director of Civil Supplies.
According to official sources, departmental teams had been meticulously tracking the two LPG tankers from the moment they commenced their journey from Trombay in Mumbai. Leveraging this intelligence, the squad maintained continuous surveillance and ultimately pinpointed the exact location where the illegal activity was in progress.
Upon arriving at the site under the cover of darkness, the raiding team discovered LPG being directly siphoned from the tankers into commercial cylinders. This dangerous transfer was being executed using rubber pipes fitted with sophisticated four-way valves. An official involved in the operation emphasized the extreme risks, stating, "The operation was being carried out in an open and highly hazardous manner, posing a serious threat to life and property. The team immediately conducted the raid and detained the tanker drivers on the spot."
Detailed Inventory of Seized Materials
The comprehensive seizure from the raid includes:
- Two LPG tankers valued at over Rs 1.05 crore.
- Nearly 35,220 kilograms of LPG, worth more than Rs 20 lakh.
- 17 filled commercial cylinders.
- Six empty cylinders.
- A number of domestic and small cylinders.
- Specialized equipment used for the illegal transfer, including rubber pipes and valve systems.
Legal Proceedings and Ongoing Investigation
An FIR has been officially registered at the MIDC Waluj police station against the accused individuals: tanker drivers Shrikrishna Dahiphale and Miraj Mohammed Jaish Khan, businessman Mahesh Thorat, and tanker owner Shreehar Chhedi. The charges have been filed under the stringent provisions of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, and the LPG (Regulation of Supply and Distribution) Order, 2000. Further investigation is being actively pursued by Sub-Inspector Pravin Patharkar.
The two accused drivers arrested by the flying squad were produced before a court on Friday. The court has remanded them to police custody for three days, lasting until April 5, to facilitate a thorough interrogation and investigation.
Context of Previous Crackdowns
This bust is not an isolated incident. Earlier, on March 23, the local crime branch of the Ahilyanagar police uncovered a similar illegal LPG refilling racket in Kamargaon. That operation led to the arrest of four individuals involved in siphoning gas from three tanker capsules. The seized capsules from that raid were capable of refilling around 4,500 domestic LPG cylinders, with the total material valued at Rs 2.01 crore.
These consecutive crackdowns underscore a concerted effort by Maharashtra authorities to combat the black market diversion of essential commodities like LPG, which not only causes significant revenue loss but also poses severe safety risks to the public.
