New Delhi, March 26 (NationPress) — In a significant crackdown under the Essential Commodities Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Crime Branch of the Delhi Police has uncovered an illicit scheme regarding the hoarding and misappropriation of LPG cylinders in the Ranhola region of Outer Delhi. A staggering total of 459 empty gas cylinders, consisting of 175 Bharat Petroleum and 284 Indane cylinders, were confiscated during the operation.

As per officials, this operation was executed by the Western Range-I (WR-I) unit of the Crime Branch, acting on specific and credible intelligence. The raid revealed an extensive illegal activity involving unauthorized storage and suspected black marketing of LPG cylinders, drawing attention to the deliberate misuse of the LPG distribution framework.

In response to concerns about a perceived LPG shortage, despite assurances from the government regarding ample supply, a specialized team was assembled to identify and take action against hoarders. This team, led by Inspector Pradeep, included officers such as Sub-Inspectors Dharmendra, Naresh Kumar, and Mohit Batan, under the vigilant oversight of ACP Raj Kumar.

Utilizing the intelligence received, the team executed a synchronized raid at the HP Balaji Gas Agency situated on Nilothi Road in Village Ranhola. During the operation, the agency owner, Susheel Kumar Singhal, was apprehended for allegedly engaging in the illegal hoarding of LPG cylinders. The Food Supply Officer (FSO), Jag Pravesh, was promptly summoned to the scene to initiate the necessary legal proceedings.

The confiscated cylinders were subsequently handed over to Sanjay Kumar Mehta, the Sales Area Manager of Hindustan Petroleum Gas, following established protocols. A case has been registered under FIR No. 62/2026 at the Crime Branch police station, invoking Section 7 of the Essential Commodities Act and Section 61(2) of the BNS. Further investigations are currently in progress.

Police officials disclosed that the accused, as the proprietor of an LPG agency, allegedly exploited his position to amass a significant stock of commercial LPG cylinders unlawfully. It is suspected that his aim was to create artificial scarcity by withholding supply, subsequently selling the cylinders in the open market at inflated prices for illicit profit.

The illegal stock was reportedly disguised as regular inventory to evade detection, indicating a thoroughly planned and systematic operation.

Susheel Kumar Singhal, who resides in Nihal Vihar and currently lives in Ambika Vihar, Delhi, operates the HP Balaji Gas Agency.

Officials affirmed that this action underscores the Delhi Police’s unwavering commitment to combating illegal activities such as hoarding and black marketing of essential commodities. They emphasized that stringent measures will persist against violators to ensure equitable distribution and safeguard public interests.