How Did the Delhi Crime Branch Uncover a Major Aviation Fuel Smuggling Operation?
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Synopsis
In an impressive operation, the Delhi Crime Branch's Inter State Cell has exposed a significant aviation fuel smuggling racket, seizing 72,000 litres of stolen ATF. This crackdown not only arrests key figures involved but also safeguards national revenue. Discover how this elaborate scheme was executed and the impact on the aviation sector.
Key Takeaways
- 72,000 litres of stolen ATF recovered.
- Six arrests made, dismantling a major smuggling network.
- Operation prevented a loss of Rs 1.62 crore to the national treasury.
- Crucial intelligence played a key role in the raid.
- The stolen ATF was sold as Mineral Turpentine Oil.
New Delhi, June 23 (NationPress) In a significant operation against fuel smuggling, the Inter State Cell (ISC) of the Delhi Police Crime Branch has uncovered a large-scale racket linked to the theft and unlawful distribution of Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF). Following a tip-off, authorities conducted a raid at a hidden godown in Mundka, leading to the recovery of 72,000 litres of stolen ATF, which prevented a possible monthly loss of Rs 1.62 crore to the national treasury.
Six individuals have been apprehended and two more detained, effectively dismantling a sophisticated network that had been diverting ATF intended for the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA).
This operation had been ongoing for three years, with an estimated 1.5 lakh litres of fuel being smuggled each month.
According to a statement from the Delhi Police, "A total of 6 individuals have been arrested and 2 have been bound down, including the godown owner, drivers, helpers, a transporter, and the illicit fuel purchaser, effectively dismantling the supply chain of this illegal enterprise." The operation was led by Inspector Mahipal Singh, under the guidance of ACP Ramesh Chander Lamba, following critical intelligence received by Head Constable Sunil.
During the raid, authorities discovered three ATF tankers (each with a capacity of 24,000 litres), six dip rods (including counterfeits), two siphoning pipes, three full drums, two-and-a-half drums of ATF, nine empty drums, three imitation master keys and tanker locks, two pickup trucks, and Rs 1,05,000 in cash.
The ATF was initially loaded at the HPCL Asoda Depot in Bahadurgarh for delivery to IGIA. The implicated drivers, in collaboration with the transporter and godown operator, manipulated the GPS tracking systems to reroute the tankers to the Mundka godown.
Locks on the tankers, designed to be opened only with depot-specific keys, were compromised with duplicates. Additionally, forged dip rods were employed to create false delivery measurements.
The diverted ATF was subsequently sold in the black market disguised as Mineral Turpentine Oil (MTO), a substance typically used in the ink and paint industries.
The primary suspect, Gaya Prasad Yadav (43), a former tanker driver, emerged as the mastermind behind this operation. He acquired the stolen fuel at Rs 30/litre and sold it for Rs 50/litre. Others arrested included Rajkumar Chaudhary (the ATF buyer), Ashpal Bhullar (the truck owner), along with drivers and helpers who were compensated per trip.
Point of View
I recognize the importance of transparency and accountability in government operations. The recent bust of the aviation fuel smuggling racket not only highlights the diligence of law enforcement but also the ongoing challenges in safeguarding national resources. It's crucial that we support efforts that strengthen our systems and prevent such illegal activities.
NationPress
23/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the total amount of stolen Aviation Turbine Fuel recovered?
The Delhi Crime Branch recovered a total of 72,000 litres of stolen Aviation Turbine Fuel.
How many individuals were arrested in the operation?
A total of six individuals were arrested and two others were detained.
Where was the stolen ATF originally supposed to be delivered?
The stolen ATF was originally loaded at the HPCL Asoda Depot in Bahadurgarh for delivery to the Indira Gandhi International Airport.
What was the role of Gaya Prasad Yadav in the smuggling operation?
Gaya Prasad Yadav, a former tanker driver, was the mastermind of the operation, purchasing the stolen fuel at Rs 30/litre and selling it for Rs 50/litre.
How did the smugglers manipulate the delivery process?
The smugglers manipulated the GPS tracking systems and used duplicate keys to bypass tanker locks, diverting the fuel to their godown.
