Ghaziabad Administration Seals LPG Agency After Uncovering Major Irregularities
An inquiry ordered by the Ghaziabad administration into alleged black-marketing and hoarding at a Modinagar-based LPG agency has revealed significant irregularities, including a shortage of 99 domestic cylinders and discrepancies in stock records, officials confirmed.
Probe Initiated Following Consumer Complaint
The investigation was launched after a consumer, Sachin Chaudhary, a resident of Phafrana village, submitted a formal complaint to the district magistrate on March 20, alleging malpractice at Dhirendra Gas Service. Acting on the complaint, the district magistrate directed the Modinagar tehsildar to conduct a thorough inquiry.
A joint team comprising officials from the revenue and supply departments, along with a sales officer from Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited, inspected the agency on Sunday. During the inspection, a physical verification of stock was carried out and matched with the stock register.
Shortage and Record Discrepancies Uncovered
Amit Tiwari, district supply officer of Ghaziabad, stated, "The verification revealed a shortage of 99 domestic LPG cylinders of 14.2 kg capacity." He added that entries related to 19 kg commercial cylinders and other categories were also not updated in the stock register, indicating further mismanagement.
Multiple consumers, including Chaudhary, provided statements during the inspection. "They informed the team that they received SMS alerts confirming delivery of cylinders but had not actually received them," Tiwari explained, highlighting the agency's deceptive practices.
Previous Complaints and Failure to Act
Officials noted that there had been previous complaints against the agency as well. "Despite being directed to resolve consumer grievances, the agency management failed to take corrective steps," Tiwari emphasized, underscoring a pattern of negligence.
Legal Action and Consumer Transfer
Following the findings, the gas agency was sealed by the administration, and its 10,000 consumers were transferred to nearby gas agencies to ensure uninterrupted supply. An FIR was registered against the agency's manager, Yogita Tomar, and owner, Kusum Tomar, under Sections 3 and 7 of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, at the Modinagar police station.
This case underscores the administration's commitment to cracking down on hoarding and black-marketing, ensuring essential commodities reach consumers without exploitation.
