Udaipur, May 29, 2025 — In a decisive crackdown on the black marketing of domestic LPG gas, the District Special Team (DST), Udaipur, has exposed a large-scale illegal gas refilling operation, arresting six individuals and seizing four gas tankers, 63 commercial cylinders, and related refilling equipment.
Acting under the direct supervision of Udaipur SP Yogesh Goyal, the DST acted swiftly following multiple complaints of LPG shortages in households and commercial establishments, believed to be caused by organized illegal diversion of domestic LPG for commercial resale.
Action Based on Intelligence, Site Raided Near NH-8
On May 28, based on a tip-off from informants, DST in-charge Inspector Shyam Singh Ratnu, with support from DySP Rajendra Singh Jain (Vallabhnagar Circle) and Kheroda SHO Suresh Bishnoi, raided the premises behind Pandit Hotel in Dangi Kheda village, located along the Chittorgarh–Udaipur National Highway.
At the scene, teams found LPG tankers illegally transferring gas into commercial cylinders using makeshift and unsafe equipment. In total, they seized:
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04 gas tankers
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63 commercial LPG cylinders
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05 nozzle sockets, pipes, weighing scales, and other refilling apparatus
The operation was conducted in the presence of District Supply Officer Manish Bhatnagar and HPCL Sales Officer Deepak Acharya, who verified the absence of valid documentation and confirmed clear violation of gas supply norms.
Accused Identified and Arrested
The six arrested individuals have been identified as:
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Rakesh Nath (Bhawatakhedi, Bhadesar, Chittorgarh)
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Kishanaram Bishnoi (Pilwa Lohawat, Phalodi)
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Manoj Suthar (Amarpura, Kheroda, Udaipur)
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Trilok Singh (Kabrah, Beawar)
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Babulal Gurjar (Odhanda, Hindoli, Bundi)
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Jitendra Singh (Ishwari, Pind, Madhya Pradesh)
Ongoing Investigation and Legal Action
As per the DST, the accused admitted to illegally refilling over 1,200 cylinders over the past two months. The activity led not only to LPG shortages for legitimate consumers but also caused a significant loss to government revenue.
More alarmingly, the refilling was being done with substandard equipment by untrained individuals, posing serious risks of gas leaks and explosions — a concern amplified by a past accident on NH-8 near Jaipur involving a leaking gas tanker.
The case has been registered under:
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Sections 286, 303 of BNS
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Sections 3/7 of Essential Commodities Act
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Sections 43(1), 44(g) of Gas Cylinder Rules, 2016
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Liquefied Petroleum Gas (Regulation of Use in Motor Vehicles) Order, 2000
The accused are in custody, and further investigation is underway to determine the extent of the distribution network and any involvement of suppliers or transporters.
Commendation for Timely Intervention
The District Special Team is being credited for its prompt and efficient action, which not only disrupted a major illegal operation but also averted potential disaster. SP Yogesh Goyal emphasized that such illegal operations will face zero tolerance and assured continued vigilance and strict legal action against all forms of organized crime in the district.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
