LPG Tanker, 64 Commercial Cylinders and Pickup Seized; Two Accused Detained in Major Police Operation
Balotra, September 16 | (SDNA)
Balotra Police have busted a network allegedly involved in stealing LPG from tankers transporting gas from a refinery to various depots and illegally refilling commercial cylinders. Acting under a special campaign against organised crime and the black marketing of petroleum products, police seized an LPG-filled tanker, 64 commercial LPG cylinders and a pickup vehicle. Two accused were detained, while another suspect managed to flee from the spot.
Balotra District Superintendent of Police Rajesh Kumar Kawat, IPS, said the operation was conducted under the supervision of Additional Superintendent of Police Harphoolsingh and Pachpadra Circle Officer Yogesh Chaudhary, with Pachpadra Police Station SHO Baburam leading the team. Acting on information received from the District Special Team (DST) Balotra, police raided an isolated location behind a closed hotel in the Patau Khurd area along National Highway-25 on September 15, 2026.
Gas Being Illegally Refilled from Tanker into Cylinders
When the police team reached the location, LPG was allegedly being transferred from a gas-filled tanker into commercial cylinders using a special nozzle pipe. Kanaram, son of Madharam, a resident of Budhnagar, Dangiyawas, Jodhpur district, was found allegedly stealing LPG in connivance with the tanker driver and filling it into cylinders.
Police seized tanker number UP 17 AT 1056, pickup vehicle number RJ 39 GA 7547, eight gas-filled commercial cylinders and 56 empty commercial cylinders. A pipe and weighing machine allegedly used for LPG theft and illegal refilling were also recovered.
The tanker driver, Brijesh, son of Ramnakshatra, a resident of Khirsa Khad, Deoria district, Uttar Pradesh, was also found allegedly involved in the illegal activity. On seeing the police team, hotel operator Pradeep and some other suspects fled from the spot.
6 to 8 Cylinders Allegedly Filled from One Tanker
During preliminary questioning, police reportedly found that gas was being siphoned from a tanker and filled into approximately 6 to 8 commercial cylinders, which were allegedly intended to be sold illegally at prices lower than the prevailing market rate. Police are investigating the possible involvement of other tanker drivers and persons associated with the network.
A team from the Food and Civil Supplies Department also reached the spot following the information. On the basis of a report submitted by Food and Civil Supplies Department official Bharatsingh, a case was registered at Pachpadra Police Station under Sections 3 and 7 of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, and Sections 303(2), 316(3) and 317(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.
Search Underway for Absconding Suspect
Police are conducting a detailed investigation into the alleged LPG theft and illegal refilling network. The role of tanker drivers, illegal purchase and sale of LPG, and other persons allegedly connected with the operation are being investigated. Police are also searching for absconding hotel operator Pradeep, son of Ramkishore, resident of Patau Khurd.
Two Accused Detained
- Kanaram, son of Madharam, 35, resident of Budhnagar, Dangiyawas, Jodhpur district.
- Brijesh, son of Ramnakshatra, 28, resident of Khirsa Khad, Deoria district, Uttar Pradesh — tanker driver.
Police Appeal to the Public
Balotra Police have appealed to the public to immediately inform the nearest police station or police control room about any illegal LPG refilling, suspicious activity during transportation or any activity that may pose a threat to public safety.
Police said that illegal LPG refilling is not only a serious economic offence but can also lead to major fire and explosion-related accidents.