Nine Police Personnel Suspended for Negligence in Daltonganj LPG Cylinder Case
In a significant development, nine police personnel have been suspended for negligence in duty after 43 LPG cylinders reportedly went missing from a stockyard in Daltonganj, where an explosion injured four people on Sunday. The suspensions were ordered by Palamu Superintendent of Police Reeshma Rameshan on Monday, following revelations that the cylinders vanished during the investigation into the blast incident.
Details of the Suspension and Blast Incident
Among those suspended are two assistant sub-inspectors, one havildar, and six constables. The incident occurred when an LPG cylinder exploded in the basement of a house near Bairya More on Sunday. The facility, allegedly used for illegal stocking of LPG cylinders, had 61 cylinders at the time of the blast. However, when police began their probe, only 18 cylinders were found, with 43 mysteriously missing.
Despite the blast, the facility was not sealed, and two police personnel were assigned to guard it overnight. Sources suggest that the disappearance of the cylinders might be an attempt to weaken the case against the gas agency or distributor involved. The agency in question is affiliated with Indane company and operates under the name of Ajay Kumar Sah from Kutmu village, under the jurisdiction of Pandu police station.
Violations by Gas Agency and Administrative Actions
The gas agency, Kutmu Indane gas/Ajay Kumar Sah, is accused of multiple violations. Deputy Commissioner Sameera S. highlighted that while the agency had a license for delivery in Kutmu under Pandu block, it was illegally operating storage and delivery services in Daltonganj town, which constitutes a gross violation of safety provisions.
Following the incident, District Supply Officer Preeti Kisko wrote letters to the regional managers of Indian Oil Corporation Ltd and Indane Divisional Office, seeking the suspension of the concerned agency. This action was taken under directives from Deputy Commissioner Sameera S.
"During the period of suspension of the agency, its 1,834 consumers will be tagged to the nearest distributor," stated the Deputy Commissioner, ensuring continuity of service for affected customers.
Measures to Ensure Supply Chain Integrity
To address the situation, a quick response team has been formed in Palamu district to monitor the supply and demand chain of filled LPG cylinders. The Deputy Commissioner also held a meeting with all distributors, issuing directives such as maintaining OTPs after cylinder deliveries and ensuring no gas outlets remain closed during working hours.
As of today, there are 12,825 cylinders available in Palamu, with officials assuring that the situation is entirely under control, despite ongoing conflicts in West Asia. The district has 41 gas agencies, serving 2,11,515 domestic consumers and 2,72,861 PM Ujjawala Yojna consumers, as informed by Additional Collector Kundan Kumar.
The suspension of police personnel and the administrative actions underscore the seriousness with which authorities are treating this case, aiming to prevent future incidents and ensure public safety in the region.
