- By Akansha Pandey
- Thu, 26 Mar 2026 05:16 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
The Delhi Police Crime Cranch has dismantled a major LPG cylinder smuggling operation in a recent crackdown on the illegal hoarding of essential commodities in Ranhoula area of West Delhi.
A specialised team led by Inspector Pradeep conducted a raid at HP Balaji Gas Agency on Nilothi road following a tip-off regarding the illegal cylinder storage. According to officials, the operation was executed by the Western Range-I (WR-I) unit of the Crime Branch based. During the operattion the authorities eised a total of 459 empty LPG cylinder, including 284 from Indane and 175 from Bharat Petroleum.
Authorities confirmed that the raid was the result of specific intelligence regarding unauthorised storage practices at the agency.
Key Details Of Operation
Suspect Apprehended: The agency owner, Sushil Kumar Singhal, was caught at the scene and found to be directly involved in the unauthorised storage.
Inter-Departmental Action: Officials from the Food and Supply Department, including FSO Jag Pravesh, joined the site to formalise the proceedings.
Asset Recovery: All confiscated cylinders were officially handed over to Sanjay Kumar Mehta, the Sales Area Manager for Hindustan Petroleum.
Modus Operandi And Legal Action
Investigations revealed that the agency owner was exploiting his position to divert stock from the regular supply chain. By hoarding these cylinders, he aimed to create an artificial shortage in the local market, allowing him to sell them at inflated prices for illegal profit.
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The police have initiated legal proceedings under:
- Section 7 of the Essential Commodities Act.
- Section 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
The Delhi Police have reaffirmed their commitment to monitoring the distribution of essential resources to ensure they remain available to the public at regulated prices.