Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji
Panaji, Jun 29: The Goa Police Crime Branch has uncovered an illegal petroleum storage and distribution operation in the Dabolim area, seizing fuel tankers and vehicles collectively valued at around Rs 1.5 crore during a major enforcement drive conducted on Sunday.
Acting on specific intelligence inputs, the Crime Branch raided a premises allegedly being used to store large quantities of petroleum products without the mandatory licences and regulatory approvals. Officials suspect the fuel was being illegally stockpiled and diverted for sale in the black market at inflated prices.
During the operation, investigators carried out an extensive inspection of six fuel tankers and a tipper truck stationed at the site. Petroleum products were found stored inside the tankers, prompting officials to collect and seal samples for forensic examination as part of the investigation.
The vehicles, along with the fuel samples and other material evidence, were seized by the police. Authorities estimated the combined value of the confiscated vehicles and petroleum products at approximately Rs 1.5 crore.
The raid, which lasted nearly six hours, was conducted in the presence of forensic experts and representatives from Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) to ensure proper examination and documentation of the seized material.
Preliminary investigations have identified the alleged operator of the illegal facility as Devendra Naik, also known as Raju Chawan, a resident of Sancoale in Goa. Police are probing his role in the unauthorised storage and suspected illegal distribution of petroleum products.
According to officials, the facility was functioning in violation of multiple statutory provisions governing the storage, handling and sale of petroleum products. Besides bypassing licensing requirements, investigators believe the operation posed a serious threat to public safety and the environment because of the hazardous nature of the stored fuel.
Based on the findings, the Crime Branch has registered a case under Section 287 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Section 23 of the Petroleum Act, 1934, Sections 3 and 7 of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, and Sections 8 and 15 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
Further investigation is underway to determine the source of the petroleum products, identify others involved in the alleged racket and ascertain the scale of the suspected black-market network.