T’puram: Authorities seized 261 cooking gas cylinders and equipment from a godown at Pattala near Attingal for allegedly siphoning LPG from public sector oil company cylinders and refilling private company cylinders for black-market sale at inflated prices.The irregularities were detected during a raid conducted at the Super Gas godown in Pattala, following a tip-off about illegal LPG transfer and sale.Officials said LPG was allegedly leaked from cylinders and illegally transferred to other cylinders under unsafe conditions before being sold at higher prices in the black market. Cylinders belonging to various public and private oil companies, along with equipment used for the operation, were seized during the raid.The seized cylinders and equipment were shifted to authorised gas godowns for safe custody. Officials said further investigation was under way and prosecution proceedings would be initiated against those responsible under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955.Officials said the raid was conducted after residents raised concerns over suspicious movement of cylinders and handling practices at the godown. Supply authorities warned that action would be taken against anyone involved in unauthorised LPG storage, transfer or distribution.The inspection was led by Thiruvananthapuram district supply officer Mathew along with Varkala taluk supply officer Sreelatha and assistant supply officers Ranjith and Sajeev.
