In a major operation, an inter-state gas theft racket was busted by the Maharashtra State Level Vigilance Cell in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, where officials seized LPG worth approximately Rs 1.26 crore, including two large tankers, an official statement said.
The state-level vigilance team uncovered an inter-state network accused of stealing LPG meant for public distribution. Officials said the racket was depriving nearly 2,480 economically weaker households of their rightful monthly gas supply, it said.
Officials conduct raid, seize LPG
The action was initiated following confidential information received about an LPG smuggling syndicate by rationing controller Chandrakant Dange.
A team led by Ganesh Bellale laid a trap near a hotel on Vaijapur Road in the Gangapur area to bust the racket.
On the night of April 2, officials raided the spot and caught the accused allegedly red-handed while siphoning LPG after breaking the seal of a tanker belonging to Hindustan Petroleum.
The seizure
The officials said that they seized the following items during the operation –
– Two large LPG tankers (MH 43 K 5921 and MH 43 CK 5747) carrying a total of 35,220 kg of gas
– 26 illegally stored cylinders, including both commercial (19.2 kg) and domestic (14.2 kg) units
– Total estimated value of seized goods: Rs 1.26 crore
Impact on public supply
Officials highlighted that the confiscated LPG could have met the monthly needs of around 2,480 poor families. The operation exposed how illegal fuel diversion directly affects essential supply for ordinary citizens.
Amid the ongoing crisis in West Asia, which has disrupted energy supplies through the Strait of Hormuz, the government has warned of strict action against those stealing cooking gas, as well as individuals involved in hoarding, unauthorised storage, or illegally reselling LPG cylinders.
A case is being registered at the MIDC Waluj police station.
The officials have begun a detailed investigation to trace the full extent of the network and identify other individuals involved, the official statement said.
Speaking on the crackdown, Chandrakant Dange reiterated that strict action will continue against those involved in illegal hoarding and theft of essential commodities. He stressed that such offences would not be tolerated under any circumstances.
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