Bhojpur police have cracked an interstate diesel theft gang, arresting Sunil Kumar of Chhibramau, Kannauj (UP), and Chandrama Ram of Amehata village in Bhojpur. The operation led to the seizure of 2,000 litres of diesel, valued at approximately Rs 1.80 lakh.
The accused were allegedly siphoning fuel from an Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) pipeline at Nawadaben village under Gajrajganj OP. The stolen diesel was found stored in a pickup truck, which has been confiscated.
According to SHO Chanchal Mahtha, the gang dug tunnels in remote areas along the pipeline and used specialised plumbing equipment to extract the diesel. A drop in pipeline pressure, detected by IOCL’s monitoring system, alerted authorities and prompted the arrests.
Police revealed that the arrested individuals disclosed names of other gang members, including a kingpin operating in the area. Raids are currently underway to apprehend the remaining suspects.
Investigations are ongoing to determine where the stolen diesel was being sold, with authorities committed to dismantling the interstate fuel racket.
