Panaji: The crime branch of Goa police on Saturday raided an alleged illegal petroleum storage and handling site at Dabolim and seized six fuel tankers, a tipper truck and petroleum products collectively worth around Rs 1.5 crore.SP Jivba Dalvi received specific intelligence about the illegal storage and supply of petroleum products, which fall under the Essential Commodities Act. Based on the inputs, a team identified the storage site on an open plot opposite Hotel Navil Exotica in Dabolim.During the six-hour operation, police inspected six fuel tankers and a tipper truck. Suspected petroleum products were found stored in the tankers. Representative samples were collected, sealed and preserved for forensic examination. All the vehicles and sample exhibits were seized under a detailed panchanama.Police said the operation was conducted in the presence of panch witnesses, forensic experts and officials of Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL).DySP and PRO Nilesh Rane said preliminary inquiry revealed that the premises and vehicles were allegedly operated by Devendra Naik alias Raju Chawan of Sancoale.Police suspect the petroleum products were being diverted to the black market. They said the illegal storage posed a serious threat to residents in the surrounding area.The storage and handling of petroleum products at the site are suspected to be in violation of the Petroleum Act, 1934, the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, and the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.An offence has been registered under Section 287 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Section 23 of the Petroleum Act, 1934, Sections 3 read with 7 of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, and Sections 8 read with 15 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
