Recent LPG racket has been busted in Sangam Vihar, in which four accused have been arrested by the Delhi Police Crime Branch. LPG cylinders were stored in rented godowns, not reaching the consumers, and sold at high prices.
Delhi Police Crime Branch has busted a recent LPG racket in Sangam Vihar. The accused has been arrested, and 183 LPG cylinders have been recovered. While investigations are ongoing, the police have revealed significant details about how the racket was planned during this time of crisis when the government promises adequate supplies. The supplies have decreased due to the on going conflicts which has directly impacted State of Hormuz.
183 LPG cylinders have been recovered from delivery agents who have been arrested. It was noted that a total of 154 cylinders were seized, while 29 were empty. The empty LPG cylinders were filled using makeshift techniques and were sold at high prices in the local market. The storage of cylinders was done in godowns, while the four accused were asked to take them to customers.
According to the Delhi Police Crime Branch, the four accused arrested were working as delivery agents in gas agencies. During the raids, illegal items such as iron pipes, electronic weighing scales, and refilling instruments were recovered. A case has been registered under the Essential Commodities Act and relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The aim of the accused was to sell the cylinders in the market at higher rates by creating shortage and panic of LPG cylinders in the market.
The Essential Commodities Act (1955) states that consumers should have access to essential services at affordable prices and to protect them from the exploitation of unscrupulous traders. The central goverment controls essential goods under Section 3 followed by Section 5 which allows it to direct the power to the state goverment or authorities for swift functioning.
It is under this act that the Central Government has redirected to maximise the production of LPG for houseold purposes. In addition, refineries are not allowed to divert streams of propane and butane to petrochemical manufacturing, guaranteeing that these inputs be used mainly for the supply of LPG.
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