Illegal LPG cylinder refilling unit busted

The Delhi Police busted a large illegal LPG cylinder refilling unit operating from a residential area in Mundka. They arrested five persons and seized over 500 cylinders.

Acting on a tip-off, a Crime Branch team raided a godown, Sai Logistics, in Swarn Park where LPG in domestic cylinders was illegally transferred to commercial cylinders for sale at higher rates, officials said on Sunday.

The illegal unit was being run from a densely populated locality without any fire safety measures. Given the highly combustible material involved, the Food Supply and Consumer Affairs Department was immediately informed.

The raid led to the recovery of 563 LPG cylinders. The police also seized 15 electronic gas filling machines, 372 cylinder seals, two weighing machines, a Mahindra pick-up vehicle and a motorcycle allegedly used to transport the illegally refilled cylinders.

Those arrested have been identified as Ramniwas, manager; Avnesh and Manoj Kumar, refilling staff; and Arjun and Sharukh Khan, loaders.

During questioning, they said the racket was being operated by Vinod Kumar, a resident of Peera Garhi Camp. The police said efforts were on to arrest him.

Investigators said the illegal unit posed a serious threat to residents due to a large number of LPG cylinders stored in a congested area.

A case has been registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Essential Commodities Act, 1955. The police said attempts would be made to identify the entire supply and distribution network associated with the refilling unit.