Jharsuguda: In a significant crackdown on illegal LPG storage and refilling, officials of the Supply Department seized 92 LPG cylinders from a shop in the Beheramal area of Jharsuguda district on Friday.
Acting on the instructions of the district administration, a team of Supply Department officials conducted a raid at the premises following allegations that LPG cylinders were being illegally stored and refilled at the shop. During the operation, the officials recovered a total of 92 cylinders from the location, of which 28 were found to be filled with gas.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the accused was allegedly transferring gas from filled cylinders into empty ones using a pipe and selling them illegally in the local market. Authorities said such activities pose a serious safety threat, as unauthorised refilling of LPG cylinders violates safety norms and can lead to accidents, including fires and explosions.
The seized cylinders have been taken into custody, and officials have launched a detailed investigation to ascertain the extent of the illegal operation and identify others who may be involved in the trade.
The raid was carried out under the direction of the district Collector as part of an ongoing drive to curb illegal storage and distribution of LPG cylinders in the region. Authorities have warned that strict action will be taken against those found involved in such unlawful practices.
