Motihari/Patna: Police have busted a suspected illegal trade in adulterated petrol in Motihari, seizing 1,989 litres of spurious fuel from a pickup vehicle during a blockade on the National Highway leading to Lakhaura.
One person was arrested during the operation and is being questioned as police investigate the suspected network involved in the transportation and distribution of adulterated fuel.
Police Act on Tip-Off
According to police, the Town Police Station received information that a consignment of adulterated petrol was being transported in a pickup vehicle.
Acting on the information and directions from senior officials, a police team led by Town Station House Officer (SHO) Rajiv Ranjan established a blockade on the highway towards Lakhaura.
When officers attempted to stop a suspicious pickup vehicle, its driver allegedly tried to flee after noticing the police. The team pursued the vehicle and eventually apprehended the driver.
1,989 Litres of Adulterated Petrol Found
During a search of the pickup vehicle, police recovered 1,989 litres of suspected adulterated petrol.
The seized fuel and the vehicle have been taken into police custody as further investigation continues.
The arrested accused has been identified as Chandan Kumar, son of Harishankar Pandit, a resident of Barmadiya under the Chakia police station area.
Police Suspect Fuel Tanker Siphoning Network
Preliminary investigation has indicated that the accused may be connected to a larger gang involved in siphoning fuel from petrol tankers and distributing it in different areas.
Police suspect that the adulterated petrol was intended to be sold in rural areas at comparatively lower prices.
Investigators are now questioning the arrested accused to establish the source of the fuel and identify the other people allegedly involved in the racket.
Probe Underway to Identify Other Accused
Police are investigating the roles of suspected suppliers and other members of the network. Officers are also working to determine where the seized fuel was supposed to be delivered.
The investigation is expected to focus on the source of the adulterated petrol, its intended distribution points and the alleged method used to siphon fuel from tankers.
Further legal action has been initiated following the seizure and arrest.
