New Delhi, March 14 (NationPress) In a significant operation against the illicit black marketing of both domestic and commercial LPG cylinders, Mumbai's rationing and supply authorities executed a raid in the Worli locality, leading to the seizure of a considerable quantity of gas cylinders that were reportedly being stored and sold unlawfully on the black market.

As per the Mumbai Police, this operation was initiated following the receipt of confidential intelligence regarding the illegal storage and distribution of LPG cylinders within a residential area.

Responding swiftly to the tip-off, a specialized team from the ration distribution department raided the Suraj Vallabhdas Chawl situated on Ganpatrao Kadam Marg near Worli Naka.

Officials from the Worli Police Station have lodged a case against Nimesh Arvind Jain and the owner of the tempo connected to this illegal gas cylinder scheme.

The case has been registered under various sections of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 as well as several provisions of the Liquefied Petroleum Gas (Regulation of Supply and Distribution) Order, 2000.

As part of the investigation, authorities seized the tempo along with both filled and empty LPG cylinders. Currently, no arrests have been made in relation to this case, but further legal proceedings are underway.

During the raid, officials uncovered a group that was unlawfully storing gas cylinders in a residential setting and selling them at exorbitant prices on the black market. The authorities promptly confiscated the stock and initiated additional legal actions.

Authorities confirmed the recovery of six filled and 58 empty five-kilogram cylinders from HP Gas, in addition to numerous filled cylinders from various gas companies. Investigators suspect these cylinders were being illegally refilled and prepared for resale in the black market, which is a clear violation of safety protocols and supply regulations.

Officials stressed that housing such a large number of gas cylinders in a residential area poses a serious safety risk and could jeopardize the lives of nearby residents in the event of a gas leak, fire, or explosion. The confiscated cylinders and related items have been transferred to the Worli Police Station for further inquiry and legal action against those implicated.

This operation is part of a broader initiative by the administration to combat the illegal trade of LPG cylinders in the city. Such unlawful practices not only disrupt the official distribution network but also pose significant safety threats to the public.

A spokesperson for the Mumbai Police revealed that authorities are vigilantly monitoring such activities and warned that stringent measures will be enforced against any individuals or groups caught engaging in the black marketing of gas cylinders.

The administration has issued a stern warning to those involved in the illegal storage and sale of LPG cylinders, highlighting that enforcement teams remain alert and conduct regular inspections throughout the city to thwart these hazardous activities.

Due to the current situation surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, the supply of LPG has faced challenges. Nevertheless, officials from the Petroleum Ministry have urged citizens to remain calm regarding the availability of LPG.