Bihar Police Intensifies Action Amid LPG Crisis: 23 FIRs and 419 Cylinders Seized
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Patna, March 18 (NationPress) In light of the persistent LPG crisis affecting Bihar, the state's police and civil authorities have ramped up their efforts to combat the illegal black market and hoarding of LPG cylinders, initiating a comprehensive enforcement operation across the state.
As per official statistics, law enforcement has confiscated a total of 419 LPG cylinders, registered 23 FIRs, and apprehended 21 suspects during this initiative.
Following the orders from Director General of Police Vinay Kumar, police teams in all 38 districts have intensified their surveillance and raids.
The situation is being closely monitored at the Police Headquarters to ensure rigorous enforcement.
The highest number of confiscated cylinders was noted in the Forbesganj police station area of Araria district, where 261 cylinders were seized and two individuals taken into custody.
Subsequent actions in Saharsa led to the seizure of 112 cylinders, with one suspect identified at the Nagar police station.
In Sheohar, law enforcement recovered 6 cylinders and arrested two individuals, while another was caught with a cylinder in the Singheshwar Asthan police station area of Madhepura.
In Begusarai, one person was apprehended with 11 cylinders at the Lakho police station.
Multiple FIRs have been filed in Saran at the Hariharnath and Nagar police stations, involving several suspects and confiscated cylinders.
In Muzaffarpur, a suspect was caught with seven cylinders at the Mithanpura police station.
Additionally, in Motihari, four cylinders were confiscated, and one individual was arrested at the Chhatauni police station.
Further FIRs have been registered in Siwan and Katihar concerning LPG hoarding incidents.
In an effort to address the situation, Patna DM Tyagarajan SM reported that four restaurants and hotels were sealed on Wednesday, leading to the registration of five additional FIRs.
This brings the total number of FIRs in Patna to nine, although the administration has not disclosed specific details regarding the seizures or arrests.
Officials indicated that some hoarders are attempting to manufacture a false sense of scarcity to capitalize on the crisis.
In response, authorities have initiated a broad campaign targeting illegal storage and black-market transactions throughout the state.
Police officials have confirmed that investigations into all filed cases are ongoing, and further legal actions will be pursued against individuals found culpable.
Raids are persisting across various districts to thwart hoarding and guarantee a steady supply.
The administration has reiterated its dedication to ensuring transparency in LPG distribution and has warned that strict penalties will be enforced against anyone attempting to disrupt the supply chain.