In a major breakthrough, a joint operation by the Surveillance Cell and Panki Police in Kanpur led to the arrest of five gang members involved in stealing fuel from petrol and diesel tankers. Authorities seized a massive haul of 39,000 litres of MTO (Mineral Turpentine Oil) and 3,150 litres of diesel/petrol/solvent, collectively valued at approximately Rs 35 lakh.
The gang had been siphoning fuel from parked tankers along major highways during the night and storing the stolen fuel at hidden locations. Later, the petroleum products were sold to unauthorized dealers at cheaper rates. During the raid, police recovered siphoning equipment, forged documents, and several storage containers.
According to ADCP Vijendra Dwivedi, the gang was operating for several months, causing major losses to oil companies and fuel transporters. A makeshift warehouse was found stocked with MTO, which is commonly used in industrial applications like paint thinning. Meanwhile, the stolen diesel and petrol were hidden in underground tanks at various locations.
The bust was made possible through intensified surveillance and crucial tips from police informers, following a surge in fuel theft complaints in the region. All five accused have been booked under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS) and for criminal conspiracy.
Police are now widening the probe to identify buyers of the stolen fuel and disrupt the illegal fuel distribution network. Authorities have sealed the recovered fuel, which will serve as evidence in court, and are tightening security around fuel transport routes to prevent future incidents.
