Locals catch staff red-handed during deliveries; staff flee scene after confrontation
A device and pipes being used to transfer gas between cylinders in a delivery van at Chandor-Guirdolim area.
MARGAO
Pilferage of LPG from cylinders intended for customer delivery in vans has once again resurfaced, leaving citizens shocked — this time amid supply disruptions caused by the West Asia war.
Thursday saw reports of LPG pilferage resurfaced in the Chandor-Guirdolim area, raising fresh concerns among residents already grappling with supply disruptions linked to the West Asia conflict.
Alert locals reportedly caught employees of a Margao-based gas agency red-handed while siphoning LPG from one cylinder to another inside a delivery van. The incident occurred during routine cylinder deliveries in the locality.
According to eyewitnesses, the situation escalated after residents confronted the delivery staff. In the ensuing commotion, the driver and loaders allegedly fled the scene by jumping over nearby railway tracks. The agency owner, whose office is located in Malbhat, later arrived at the spot and assured residents that the three employees involved would be terminated immediately.
A local resident, speaking to the media, alleged that such practices have been ongoing and that customers frequently face inconvenience due to the conduct of delivery personnel. “At times, we are asked to collect cylinders from vans parked on the roadside, even though doorstep delivery is mandatory,” she said.
Suspicion was aroused when a woman noticed a black cloth covering the cylinders inside the van. Upon removing it, she discovered pipes allegedly being used to transfer gas between cylinders. She promptly recorded a video and raised an alarm.
“The workers pleaded with me to delete the video and even offered free cylinders as a bribe to keep quiet,” she claimed. “But I chose to expose the wrongdoing.”
The incident sparked outrage among local residents, particularly women, who confronted the agency owner upon his arrival. They demanded strict action against those involved and compensation for losses suffered due to alleged pilferage.
“Why should innocent consumers bear the cost of such illegal activities?” residents questioned, urging authorities to initiate a thorough probe and ensure accountability.
The episode has once again highlighted the need for stricter monitoring and enforcement in LPG distribution, especially at a time when supply shortages are already affecting consumers.
Agency promises stern action against employees, but concerns deepen
Pilferage of gas from LPG cylinders triggered uproar in Chandor-Guirdolim area on Thursday.
MARGAO: The owner of the HP Gas agency has assured swift action against the three employees caught red-handed allegedly pilfering LPG from filled cylinders in Chandor-Guirdolim on Thursday, stating that their services would be terminated immediately.
However, the latest incident has once again brought into sharp focus a long-standing concern among consumers — when will LPG cylinders be delivered without the risk of pilferage or tampering?
Residents point out that this is far from an isolated case. Similar incidents have surfaced in the past, raising questions about systemic lapses in monitoring and delivery processes.
Nearly nine years ago, vigilant citizens in Benaulim reportedly caught delivery personnel transferring gas between cylinders at a secluded roadside location. The episode had triggered widespread outrage, with residents demanding foolproof mechanism from petroleum companies to ensure that cylinders delivered to households are safe and untampered.
Despite assurances over the years, such cases have continued to surface intermittently. In another incident reported over a year ago, allegations of LPG tampering emerged from within the premises of a gas agency godown itself, further deepening public mistrust.
With repeated instances coming to light, consumers are once again calling for stricter oversight, improved accountability, and robust safeguards to prevent pilferage and ensure fair delivery practices.
