UP Police Crack Down on Illegal Gas Cylinder Trade in Hapur
In a significant enforcement action, Uttar Pradesh Police conducted a raid in Hapur on the night of March 11, uncovering an illegal storage operation for domestic gas cylinders. The operation targeted the residence of an accused individual, leading to the seizure of a substantial stock of supplies.
Details of the Seizure and Investigation
According to the First Information Report (FIR) filed by the police, authorities recovered 18 filled Hindustan Petroleum (HP) Gas domestic cylinders and 14 empty cylinders from the premises. During interrogation, the accused reportedly admitted to purchasing filled cylinders from various dealers and reselling them to local consumers at a profit margin of Rs 20–30 per cylinder. He confessed that this illicit trade had been ongoing for nearly a year.
The illegal activity violates multiple regulations, including the Liquefied Petroleum Gas (Regulation of Supply and Distribution) Order, 2000, and the Essential Commodities Act, 1955. Under Section 3/7 of the latter act, such offenses are punishable by law. Following the raid, the accused was taken into police custody, and the FIR was registered under Section 173 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), based on a written complaint from Supply Inspector Preeti.
Official Statements and Government Response
District Supply Officer Seema Baliyan provided insights into the incident, stating, "The District Magistrate has formed teams in every tehsil, which are conducting regular patrolling, and action is being taken promptly. Last night, around 9 pm, an incident came to light wherein an individual had kept 18 filled cylinders and 14 empty cylinders at his private residence. The department took immediate action, and all cylinders have been seized. A case has been registered."
She further reassured the public, "Domestic gas cylinders, petrol, and diesel are available in Hapur in adequate quantities. People can complete online registration and obtain cylinders from their authorized gas agencies."
Broader Context and State-Level Assurance
In a related development, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath held a meeting with officials to review the state's gas supply situation. He assured residents that there is no shortage of diesel, petrol, or cooking gas in Uttar Pradesh and urged people to avoid spreading rumors.
In a post on X, CM Yogi Adityanath emphasized, "There is no shortage of diesel-petrol in Uttar Pradesh. Avoid rumours related to shortage of cooking gas." He also issued a stern warning, stating, "If any distributor agency or private individual is found involved in black marketing or hoarding, an FIR will be immediately registered against them, and the strictest action will be ensured."
The Chief Minister reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring the convenience and fulfilment of the needs of common people in every situation. He directed officials to prevent panic and ensure the timely distribution of fuel supplies across the state.
This crackdown highlights ongoing efforts by authorities to curb illegal activities and maintain the integrity of essential commodity distribution systems in Uttar Pradesh.
