In a major crackdown, the Delhi Police Crime Branch has dismantled a highly sophisticated fuel theft racket that targeted the underground pipeline network of Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL). The operation led to the arrest of the alleged mastermind and an associate, exposing a decade-long scheme involving tunnels, illegal valves, and elaborate cover businesses.
The Elaborate Modus Operandi
According to police, the alleged mastermind, Swaran Singh Sardar (a native of Bharatpur), orchestrated a complex operation. Beginning around 2011, he allegedly shifted from petty fuel pilfering to a more organized method. His process was meticulous.
First, he would conduct detailed surveys of the HPCL pipeline routes to identify isolated, vulnerable stretches. To avoid raising suspicion, he would then rent premises near these spots and establish a legitimate-looking cover business, such as selling mineral water.
"After setting up the cover business, he would start digging a tunnel from inside the premises. The digging was conducted in phases to minimize noise," explained DCP (Crime) Harsh Indora. Once the tunnel reached the underground pipeline, his team would illegally tap into it by installing an improvised connection with valves. The stolen fuel, primarily diesel, was then diverted into hidden storage containers.
The Arrests and Initial Breakthrough
The first breakthrough came from Jaipur. Acting on an anonymous tip-off, officers raided a rented house in Vasundhara Nagar and detained Rajesh Urang (47). The raid revealed the physical setup: a tunnel, digging tools, and a GI pipe fitted with valves connected to a plastic tank placed in a pickup truck filled with diesel.
However, investigators quickly learned Urang was a minor player. "He was merely in charge of ensuring that the tank gets loaded every day," stated DCP Indora. Urang's interrogation pointed the finger at Swaran Singh Sardar, revealing him as the veteran operator behind the scheme.
A Veteran of the Oil Black Market
Police investigations painted Swaran Singh Sardar as a seasoned criminal in the oil black market. His alleged involvement dates back to 1992, with more than 19 cases registered against him across various northern states. After repeated arrests and releases, he allegedly evolved his methods to the sophisticated tunneling operation.
Authorities believe he set up such illegal tapping systems in multiple locations, including Gurugram, Jaipur, Paschim Vihar in Delhi, and later in Punjab. He frequently moved bases and preferred operating near Jaipur due to its excellent connectivity with transporters across India, making the sale of stolen fuel easier.
The Crime Branch finally tracked Swaran Singh Sardar to Delhi. Acting on a tip-off, a team led by Inspector Krishan Kumar and Inspector Manjeet Singh arrested Sardar and his associate, Rinku, near Vikaspuri Nagar Nala.
Unanswered Questions and Ongoing Probe
While the key accused are in custody, the police are still working to determine the full scale of the operation. Crucial questions remain unanswered, including the exact quantity of fuel siphoned off over the years and how the group managed to tap into high-pressure pipelines multiple times without detection for so long.
The bust highlights the vulnerabilities in critical fuel infrastructure and the lengths to which organized criminal networks will go for illicit gains. The investigation is ongoing as authorities work to uncover the entire network of associates and transporters involved in this major fuel theft racket.
