Lucknow: In a crackdown on illegal fuel distribution, Deoria district authorities on Friday conducted a surprise raid at a petrol pump near Sonughat on the Deoria–Salempur road and seized nearly 400 litres of diesel being filled into drums without valid documentation. A case was registered against the pump operator under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955.The action took place around 9 am when a team led by district supply officer Sanjay Kumar Pandey inspected the Nayara company’s petrol pump, Maa Auto Fuel, located at Ahilwar Bujurg. During the inspection, officials noticed a tractor-trolley stationed within the premises, carrying two large drums that were being filled with diesel.On suspicion, the team questioned the individuals present, Firoz Ahmad and Govind Gupta, residents of Chakrawa Dhoos village, but they failed to produce any valid documents for the fuel purchase. Officials found that the petrol pump staff supplied diesel without recording the buyers’ names, addresses, or vehicle registration details. No receipt was issued for the transaction.“Strict action was taken after 400 litres of diesel being filled illegally into drums was seized during the raid,” said district supply officer Sanjay Kumar Pandey. “An FIR was lodged against the pump operator.”The administration immediately confiscated the diesel-filled drums along with the tractor-trolley and handed them over to the police. Officials said the act violates provisions of the Uttar Pradesh High Speed Diesel Oil Control Order, 1981, and is punishable under relevant sections of the Essential Commodities Act.
