New Delhi, May 6: The Delhi Crime Branch has launched a significant operation against illegal LPG refilling and hoarding in the Bakhtawarpur area of Nangloi. Acting on intelligence, the Crime Branch, in collaboration with local police, seized 96 LPG cylinders along with vehicles and equipment used in this unlawful operation. Three individuals were arrested during the raid.
Authorities revealed that the illegal activities involved storing domestic LPG cylinders without permission, tampering with them, and refilling them for alleged black marketing at inflated prices.
The police team received specific information about illegal LPG hoarding and refilling activities in Nangloi, prompting immediate action and a raid. The operation took place on a vacant plot behind Jai Shiv Nursery on Bakhtawarpur Road in Laxmi Nagar, Nangloi.
During the operation, a total of 96 LPG cylinders were found on-site. Additionally, several cylinders were loaded in three vehicles present at the location. The arrested individuals were identified as Vinod (37) from Sultanpuri, Vijay (38) from Nangloi, and Vansh Raj (26) from Kanjhawala.
Upon questioning, the trio failed to provide valid documents or satisfactory reasons for possessing such a large quantity of LPG cylinders. Given the scale of the seizure, the Food and Supply Officer (FSO) from Vikaspuri was notified and called to the scene. After inspection, the FSO confirmed that the accumulation and handling of LPG cylinders without proper authorization is illegal.
The accused have been charged under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Essential Commodities Act of 1955. Officials noted that the suspects violated orders issued by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas on March 5, 2026.
The police recovered 96 LPG cylinders, three transport vehicles (two Tata Ace tempos and one Bajaj Maxima), three weighing machines, and two metal pipes. These pipes were reportedly used for transferring gas from one cylinder to another.
During interrogation, it was revealed that the accused were connected to an LPG delivery service and received domestic gas cylinders through a gas agency. Instead of delivering the cylinders along their designated route, they transported them to a vacant plot where they hoarded the illegal stock.
The accused allegedly used unauthorized equipment to refill gas from filled cylinders into empty ones and sold them at higher prices in the open market.
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