GasRaid – Delhi Police Crack Down on Illegal LPG Cylinder Network
GasRaid – Delhi Police have uncovered a large-scale illegal LPG cylinder operation amid growing concerns over supply irregularities, seizing a total of 248 cylinders in two separate cases. The action highlights ongoing efforts to curb black marketing and ensure safe distribution practices across the capital.
Delivery Agents Found Involved in Illegal Storage
In the first operation, authorities detained four individuals and recovered 183 LPG cylinders. According to officials, the accused were registered delivery workers linked to an authorised gas agency responsible for supplying cylinders in the Sangam Vihar area. The agency’s official storage facility is located in Sheikh Sarai.
Investigators revealed that instead of distributing cylinders to consumers as per their daily assignments, the delivery personnel diverted them to rented locations. These unauthorised sites were being used to stockpile cylinders, bypassing established safety norms and regulatory procedures.
Unauthorized Refilling Operations Exposed
Further questioning exposed a more serious violation. The accused were allegedly involved in illegally transferring gas from filled cylinders into empty ones using makeshift equipment. Tools such as iron rods, pipes, and weighing scales were reportedly used to carry out the process.
Officials explained that the method involved carefully removing the sealed caps from filled cylinders using iron tools. The gas was then transferred through pipes into empty cylinders, typically extracting one to two kilograms of LPG from each. These partially emptied cylinders were then sold at inflated prices in the open market, generating unlawful profits.
Such practices not only violate legal provisions but also pose significant safety risks due to the lack of proper handling and certified equipment.
Separate Raid Leads to Additional Seizure
In another case, police conducted a raid in the Chhawla area of southwest Delhi, resulting in the arrest of one individual and the recovery of 65 LPG cylinders. The operation was carried out at a residential property located in Kashmiri Colony, Prem Nagar.
Authorities found that the house was being misused as an illegal storage and distribution point. The accused had allegedly been hoarding cylinders and engaging in black marketing, taking advantage of demand fluctuations.
Safety Concerns and Legal Action
Officials have emphasised that unauthorised storage and refilling of LPG cylinders can lead to serious hazards, including fire and explosion risks. Proper handling requires strict adherence to safety standards, which are often ignored in illegal setups.
Police have initiated legal proceedings against all those involved in both cases. Further investigations are underway to determine whether additional individuals or networks are connected to these operations.
Ongoing Efforts to Curb Black Marketing
The crackdown comes at a time when concerns over LPG availability and pricing have drawn public attention. Authorities have reiterated their commitment to preventing illegal activities that disrupt supply chains and compromise consumer safety.
Residents have also been urged to report suspicious activities related to LPG storage or sales. Officials believe that public cooperation plays a key role in identifying and dismantling such networks.