Bhubaneswar, 18 April (H.S.): In a major crackdown on illegal fuel operations, officials of the Supply Department on Saturday busted an unauthorised LPG refilling unit in the Pathargadia area of Bhubaneswar and seized around 70 gas cylinders.

According to officials, the accused were illegally transferring LPG from commercial cylinders into domestic cylinders in violation of safety norms and government regulations. The practice not only results in revenue loss to the government but also poses serious risks to public safety due to improper handling and storage of highly inflammable gas.

The raid was conducted based on specific intelligence inputs, during which officials caught the illegal operation in progress, indicating an organised setup operating in the area.

Authorities also recovered filling equipment, including refilling motors, from the site. Officials said the documents produced by those involved were found to be invalid and linked to another location.

A detailed investigation has been launched to identify all individuals associated with the racket. Officials stated that strict legal action will be taken against the offenders as per the law. An FIR will be registered, and the accused will be forwarded to court after completion of necessary formalities.

A Supply Department official confirmed that the refilling activity was being carried out illegally and assured that further details would emerge after recording statements of those detained.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda