190 illegal gas cylinders seized in Shimla

At least 190 illegal gas cylinders were seized by the Shimla district administration during a special operation that was led by Pankaj Sharma, Additional District Magistrate (Law and Order), here today.

According to reports, Shimla DC Anupam Kashyap received a tip-off about illegal supply of gas cylinders in the city, following which a team led by ADM headed towards Bhattakufar.

During the operation, a truck (UP80FT 3282) was intercepted. On inspection, officials found 60 filled LPG cylinders weighing 19.2 kg each and 130 empty cylinders in the truck. The truck driver revealed that the consignment belonged to Confidence Petroleum India Ltd and had been brought from Mohali, Punjab, for delivery to four Shimla-based gas agencies which were —Himalayan Gas Agency, Shoghi, Ishita Gas Agency, near Tutikandi, Corporate Agency, Sanjauli, and Himalayan Gas Agency, Kufri.

Further probe revealed that none of the four agencies had valid exclusive certificates from the district administration for cylinders. The bills produced also lacked certificate numbers. This is the second major seizure within 15 days.