Bhubaneswar: The Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Department on Wednesday seized 79 LPG cylinders and two vehicles allegedly being used for their illegal transportation in the outskirts of Bhubaneswar, officials said.
The seizure was made during a crackdown in the Hanspal and Naharkanta areas after officials received information about suspected illegal movement of LPG cylinders.
According to officials, a departmental team was on its way for an APS inspection when it noticed two vehicles allegedly transferring cylinders from one vehicle to another. The team intercepted the vehicles and sought documents authorising the transportation of the cylinders.
However, the drivers allegedly failed to produce valid documents, following which the cylinders and the two vehicles were seized.
“We were on our way for an APS inspection when we noticed two vehicles transferring goods from one vehicle to another. Our ASI checked the vehicles and asked the persons concerned to produce the required documents, but they could not provide any valid documents,” said an official.
A written complaint was subsequently lodged at Pahala police station, where the drivers were detained for questioning.
“We brought them to the police station for inquiry. We will ascertain the source of the cylinders, their intended destination and whether the beneficiaries have valid cards. A detailed inquiry will be conducted,” the official added.
Officials are probing the alleged supply chain and are also trying to identify the person suspected to be behind the operation. Further details are awaited as the investigation progresses.
