Bhubaneswar, Sept. 30 (UDN): The Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Department has seized 79 LPG cylinders and two vehicles during a crackdown on suspected illegal transportation of cooking gas on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar.
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The seizure was made in the Hanspal-Naharkanta area after officials received information about the alleged unauthorised movement of LPG cylinders.
According to department officials, a team was heading to the area for an APS inspection when they noticed two vehicles allegedly involved in transferring cylinders from one vehicle to another.
The officials intercepted the vehicles and asked the persons handling the cylinders to produce documents authorising their transportation. However, they allegedly failed to provide valid papers.
Following the document verification failure, the department seized all 79 cylinders along with the two vehicles.
A written complaint was subsequently filed at Pahala police station, and the drivers were taken in for questioning.
Officials said the investigation will focus on determining where the cylinders originated, where they were being transported and whether the cylinders were linked to legitimate beneficiaries possessing valid LPG consumer cards.
“We will ascertain the source of the cylinders, their intended destination and whether the beneficiaries have valid cards. A detailed inquiry will be conducted,” an official said.
The department is also examining the possible supply chain involved in the movement of the cylinders and is working to identify others who may be connected with the suspected operation.
Further action will be taken based on the findings of the inquiry, officials said.
