MARGAO
In what is suspected to be a big racket in siphoning LPG gas, Colva police has attached around 174 domestic gas cylinders of different sizes from Seraulim bandh late last night.
Police have further arrested five natives of Rajasthan on suspicion, namely Rakesh Kumar (26), Pradeep (20), Banvarlal (25) Manphool Bishnoi and Kamal Maanzu under Section 35 of BNSS.
The police have requested the Inspector of Legal Metrology, Margao and the Inspector of Civil Supply, Margao conduct an inspection of the cylinders and initiate appropriate action.
The incident came to light during midnight patrolling by a team of Colva police led by PSI Prashant Bhagat. When the team reached the Seraulim bandh, they found two mini pickups loaded with gas cylinders parked near a room, while five male persons were seen busy siphoning gas from domestic gas cylinders to commercial gas cylinders and loading them in vehicles.
Upon being questioned about their presence at an odd hour in an unlit area, the five became uneasy and began giving vague responses about siphoning gas.
On further questioning about the details of the cylinders, they informed that they do not have any document or bills for the cylinders in their custody. They further agreed that they do not have any godown or storage, registered office of authorized dealer, which was enough for the police team to suspect that they were engaged in some suspicious activity in siphoning gas from domestic cylinders to commercial gas cylinders.
Colva PI Arun Desai informed that on checking domestic gas cylinders, it was seen that the plastic seal was not present, while some cylinders were found heavy, suspecting that the heavy cylinders were filled by siphoning gas.
The five persons did not provide any document or permissions issued by the authorities. “On inspecting the surrounding, it was seen that there are some rooms with cement sheets, and both vehicles were seen parked near a room and domestic gas cylinders were also available in the room”, the police said.
Officials of the Legal Metrology told The Goan that a team of officials will check and inspect the gas cylinders attached by the police before initiating further action.
