In a significant move under the Essential Commodities Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Delhi Police Crime Branch uncovered an illicit scheme involving hoarding and misuse of LPG cylinders in Ranhola, Outer Delhi. A total of 459 empty gas cylinders, including 175 Bharat Petroleum and 284 Indane cylinders, were confiscated during the operation.
The enforcement action, conducted by the Western Range-I (WR-I) unit of the Crime Branch based on specific intelligence inputs, exposed a widespread illegal practice of unauthorized storage and suspected black marketing of LPG cylinders. This highlighted a deliberate exploitation of the LPG distribution system.
Responding to concerns about a perceived LPG shortage despite government assurances of sufficient supply, a specialized team was formed to identify and crack down on hoarders. Led by Inspector Pradeep and including officers like Sub-Inspectors Dharmendra, Naresh Kumar, and Mohit Batan, along with other personnel under ACP Raj Kumar’s supervision, the team swiftly acted on the received intelligence.
During a coordinated raid at HP Balaji Gas Agency on Nilothi Road in Village Ranhola, the agency owner, Susheel Kumar Singhal, was allegedly found involved in the illegal hoarding of LPG cylinders. Food Supply Officer (FSO) Jag Pravesh was summoned to the scene and initiated necessary legal procedures as per regulations.
The seized cylinders were handed over to Sanjay Kumar Mehta, Sales Area Manager of Hindustan Petroleum Gas, after due process. A case has been registered under FIR No. 62/2026 at the Crime Branch police station under Section 7 of the Essential Commodities Act and Section 61(2) of the BNS, with ongoing investigations into the matter.
Police officials disclosed that the accused, as the LPG agency owner, purportedly misused his position to accumulate a substantial stock of commercial LPG cylinders without authorization. It is suspected that he aimed to create an artificial scarcity by withholding supply and later selling the cylinders in the open market at inflated prices for personal gain.
The illegal stock was allegedly concealed within the regular inventory to avoid detection, indicating a well-planned and systematic operation. Susheel Kumar Singhal, residing in Ambika Vihar, Delhi, and operating the HP Balaji Gas Agency, was identified as the individual behind the operation.
Authorities emphasized that this action underscores the Delhi Police’s ongoing commitment to combat illegal practices like hoarding and black marketing of essential commodities. They reiterated their resolve to take strict measures against offenders to ensure equitable distribution and safeguard public interests.
