Cuttack: Police in Cuttack city have busted an illegal LPG cylinder refilling and adulteration racket operating from a residential locality, arresting one person and seizing multiple cylinders and equipment used in the hazardous activity.
According to a press note issued by the Inspector-in-Charge of Bidanasi Police Station, a case was registered on Tuesday based on a report by Assistant Sub-Inspector Kamalakant Naik after receiving reliable inputs about unlawful LPG handling at Radhakishorpur Mangala Mandir Basti.
Acting on the tip-off, a special police team conducted a raid and found the accused, identified as Dhruba Charan Behera (45) of Keutasahi under Lalbag police limits, engaged in clandestine refilling of domestic LPG cylinders. He was allegedly using unsafe methods such as heating cylinders and transferring gas through pipes without any authorization from oil marketing companies. The accused was also found sealing cylinders illegally.
Police said the activity was being carried out in a densely populated residential area without any safety measures, posing a serious risk of fire and explosion. During interrogation, the accused reportedly confessed to adulterating LPG cylinders by introducing water and selling them to unsuspecting customers for unlawful gain.
Investigations further revealed that the accused, a delivery employee of a gas agency, misused his position to procure and manipulate cylinders. He claimed that purchase receipts were sourced from Kalinga Gas Agency, a claim that is currently under verification.
During the raid, police seized 10 domestic LPG cylinders, refilling equipment, sealing tools, cash worth Rs 23,100, multiple cash memos, a two-wheeler, a mobile phone, and other materials used in the illegal operation.
The premise was found to be unauthorized and unfit for use as a bottling unit. Police have registered offences under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Essential Commodities Act, and the Explosives Act.
The accused was arrested on Tuesday and was produced before a local court on Wednesday. His criminal antecedents are under verification, and further investigation is underway.
The raid was conducted under the supervision of ACP Zone-III Ananya Awasthi, along with Bidanasi IIC Ashit Kumar Balabantaray and other police personnel.
