Hapur (Uttar Pradesh) [India], March 13 (HBTV): Uttar Pradesh Police busted the illegal storage of domestic gas cylinders in Hapur following a raid conducted at the residence of the accused on the night of March 11.
According to the FIR, police recovered a large cache of supplies, including 18 filled Hindustan Petroleum (HP) Gas domestic cylinders and 14 empty cylinders.
Upon questioning, the accused reportedly confessed to purchasing the filled cylinders from various dealers and selling them to local consumers at a profit of INR 20–30 per cylinder. He claimed to have been operating the illicit trade for approximately one year.
Police stated that the activity is in direct contravention of the Liquefied Petroleum Gas (Regulation of Supply and Distribution) Order, 2000. Such actions also constitute a violation of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, and are punishable under Section 3/7 of the Act.
Following the raid, the accused was taken into police custody. The FIR was registered under Section 173 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), based on a formal written complaint filed by Supply Inspector Preeti.
District Supply Officer Seema Baliyan said, 'The DM has formed teams in every tehsil which are conducting patrolling and taking action. Last night around 9 pm, an incident came to light wherein an individual had kept 18 filled cylinders and 14 empty cylinders at his private residence. The department took immediate action and all cylinders have been seized. A case has been registered.'
She added, 'Domestic gas cylinders, petrol and diesel are available in Hapur in adequate quantity. People can register online and obtain cylinders from their gas agencies.'
Meanwhile, in a separate development, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath earlier held a meeting with officials regarding the state's gas supply situation and assured that there was no shortage of diesel, petrol, and cooking gas in the state, urging people to avoid rumours.
In a post on X, CM Yogi Adityanath said, 'There is no shortage of diesel-petrol in Uttar Pradesh. Avoid rumours related to shortage of cooking gas.'
'If any distributor agency or private individual is found involved in black marketing or hoarding, an FIR will be immediately registered against them, and the strictest action will be ensured,' he said.
The Chief Minister said the government is committed to ensuring the convenience and fulfilment of the needs of the common man in every situation. He directed officials not to allow panic to spread and to ensure timely distribution.
(ANI)