Coimbatore CID Intensifies Crackdown on Commercial LPG Hoarding and Black Market Operations
In a decisive move to curb artificial scarcity and price manipulation, the civil supplies-CID police in Coimbatore district have significantly heightened their vigilance against the hoarding of commercial liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders and their illicit sale at inflated prices on the black market. This crackdown aims to dismantle networks that create fake demand, disrupting the legitimate supply chain and harming consumers.
Investigations and Raids Target Suspected Agencies and Customers
The civil supplies-CID police have launched comprehensive investigations, collecting detailed information on agencies suspected of stockpiling commercial LPG cylinders to fabricate demand. Authorities are also questioning customers who purchased these cylinders on the black market, where prices reportedly ranged from Rs 6,000 to Rs 7,000 per cylinder, far above regulated rates. According to an official source, this proactive approach is crucial to identifying and penalizing all parties involved in the illegal trade.
Extensive Inspections Ensure Supply for Workers and Establishments
To verify stock levels and prevent shortages, the CID has conducted rigorous inspections at 70 authorized commercial LPG cylinder distributors across Coimbatore and Pollachi. Additionally, they have checked LPG supplies at 76,995 labor locations and 243 establishments, ensuring that workers and businesses have adequate access to cylinders without disruption. This effort underscores the commitment to maintaining a stable supply for essential sectors.
Major Raids Lead to Arrests and Seizures
Under the supervision of R Srinivasa Perumal, superintendent of police, civil supplies-CID teams from Coimbatore and Pollachi units executed a series of raids from March 1 to April 15. These operations resulted in the registration of 18 cases and the arrest of 30 individuals implicated in the illegal commercial LPG cylinder trade. A senior officer highlighted a significant case in March, where the Coimbatore unit arrested Karthikeyan, 32, proprietor of Shanthi Energies, along with three associates from Vijayamangalam and Karur, for possessing 997 commercial cylinders without valid documentation. Six vehicles used in the operation were also impounded.
Continuous Operations Yield Substantial Results
Over the past month, continuous raids and search operations across the Coimbatore range have been instrumental in preventing black market sales and hoarding. These efforts led to the seizure of 1,730 commercial LPG cylinders and 14 vehicles employed in the illegal trade, significantly disrupting criminal activities and recovering assets intended for illicit gain.
Public Urged to Report Suspicious Activities
Authorities have called upon the public to remain vigilant and report any instances of suspicious storage of commercial LPG cylinders or overpricing. Informants can contact the DSP of Coimbatore range at 7010970851 or the Pollachi inspector at 9498104646. Officials have assured that the identity of informers will be kept strictly confidential, encouraging community participation in combating these illegal practices.
This intensified crackdown reflects a broader strategy to safeguard the commercial LPG supply chain, protect consumers from exploitation, and enforce regulatory compliance in Coimbatore and surrounding areas.
