Illegal fuel depot busted in Sivasagar; large quantity of diesel and lubricants seized

Sivasagar Police on June 2 unearthed an illegal fuel storage facility in the heart of Sivasagar town and seized a large quantity of diesel, lubricants and other petroleum products stored in two makeshift warehouses near the ONGC premises at Nazira Ali.

According to police sources, the raid was carried out following an investigation into a complaint lodged by a petrol pump owner. The complaint alleged that two vehicles had taken away nearly 1,800 litres of fuel without making payment. During the probe, police detained a driver identified as Mustaq Khan and seized his vehicle.

Investigators found that Khan had allegedly transported 720 litres of diesel in four drums from a fuel station at Nimchand Manik Chand Petrol Pump and delivered them to the warehouse that was raided on Monday. The lead helped police trace the illegal storage facility.

During the operation, police recovered around 50 drums containing diesel, lubricants and other petroleum products. Officials suspect that several thousand litres of fuel may have been stored at the site, though the exact quantity is yet to be ascertained.

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Police said a man identified as Subhash Das is suspected to be the key figure behind the illegal operation. Das, who reportedly lives in a rented house opposite the warehouse, has allegedly been involved in the illegal trade of fuel and crude oil for a long time. Sources said he had previously been accused in cases related to fuel smuggling.

Authorities are investigating whether the fuel stockpile was linked to oil theft or whether it had been accumulated for speculative resale in anticipation of future price hikes. Police said the motive behind the operation would become clear after a detailed investigation.

As the storage of large quantities of petroleum products without proper authorisation violates safety regulations and provisions under the Explosives Act, police have seized the materials and also conducted a search operation at Das's residence.

However, the prime suspect is reportedly absconding, and efforts are underway to trace and apprehend him. The investigation is continuing.