2 held for stealing oil from HPCL pipeline

The Anti-Gangster Squad of the Delhi Police Crime Branch has arrested two men in connection with the oil theft from an Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) pipeline in Jaipur, officials said on Thursday.

The accused, Swarn Singh (55) and Dharmender alias Rinku (50), were detained near Vikaspuri Nagar Nala in West Delhi after months of surveillance.

According to the police, both accused had a reward of Rs 25,000 each on their heads.

The case stems from an FIR registered at the Special Police Station, SOG Rajasthan. The charges include offences under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Petroleum & Minerals Pipelines Act and the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act.

Officials said the duo was also wanted in other cases in Haryana and Punjab and had been declared proclaimed offenders.

The oil theft came to light on June 10, when signs of tampering were found on the HPCL Mundra Delhi Pipeline (MDPL) pipeline near Vasundhara Colony in Dahmi Kalan, Rajasthan, an official said.

Police reached a house in Vasundhara Nagar, where a tenant, identified as Rajesh Urang, told them that the setup had been arranged by Swarn Singh and his associates. Inside the premises, officers found digging tools, a tunnel, a GI pipe attached to valves and a plastic pipe leading to a tank filled with diesel kept in a pickup vehicle.

HPCL officials later confirmed that the pipeline was under pressure and the illegal valve could only be removed the next morning. The next day, the fittings were dismantled and a case was registered.

On December 3, a Crime Branch team received information about the movement of the two accused and detained them. During questioning, the accused admitted to their role in the oil theft.

Police said Swarn Singh and Dharmender were also wanted in older cases, including theft and cheating in Kurukshetra and Bathinda. Further investigation is underway, the officials added.