GasRaid – Delhi Police Bust Illegal LPG Refilling Racket in Dabri Area
GasRaid – A 61-year-old man has been taken into custody after Delhi Police uncovered an illegal LPG refilling operation in the Dabri area of southwest Delhi. Acting on specific information, officials dismantled the setup and seized multiple cylinders during the operation.
Police Action Based on Tip-Off
According to officials, a team from the crime branch carried out a raid on Tuesday in the Seetapuri locality following a tip-off about suspicious activity. During the search, the accused, identified as Mohan Lal Garg, was found allegedly operating an unauthorized LPG refilling unit from his shop. Authorities said the operation was being run without any legal approval or safety compliance.
Cylinders from Major Companies Recovered
During the raid, police recovered 17 domestic LPG cylinders belonging to various oil companies, including Indane, Bharat Petroleum, and Hindustan Petroleum. Officials noted that the cylinders appeared to have been stored improperly, raising concerns about public safety due to the risks associated with handling cooking gas without proper infrastructure.
A senior officer stated that such illegal handling of LPG cylinders not only violates regulations but also poses a serious threat of fire hazards in densely populated areas.
Allegations of Black Market Sales
Preliminary investigation suggests that the accused had been collecting domestic LPG cylinders and refilling them for resale in the open market. Police claim the gas was being sold at significantly inflated prices, reportedly around Rs 200 per kilogram, allowing the accused to earn unlawful profits.
Authorities believe that the illegal activity had been ongoing for some time, though the exact duration is yet to be determined. Officials are now examining whether others were involved in the supply chain or distribution network.
Involvement of Food Supply Department
Following the raid, a food supply officer was called to the scene to assess the situation and initiate necessary administrative action. The seized cylinders were later handed over to the local police station for further legal procedures.
Officials confirmed that a case has been registered, and further investigation is underway to determine the full extent of the operation. The police are also verifying records to check if there were previous complaints or violations linked to the accused.
Safety Concerns and Legal Implications
Authorities emphasized that unauthorized LPG refilling is a serious offence under existing laws. Apart from economic violations, such activities can lead to dangerous accidents due to improper handling, leakage, or storage of gas cylinders.
Police have urged residents to report any suspicious activities related to fuel or gas distribution in their neighborhoods. They also reiterated the importance of purchasing LPG only through authorized distributors to ensure safety and compliance with regulations.
The case highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to curb illegal trade practices and ensure public safety in urban areas.