Vinay Kumar (in white shirt), a resident of Dadri, after his arrest in the case.Noida: A joint team of the district supply department and police busted an illegal LPG refilling racket in Dadri that was transferring gas from standard domestic cylinders into smaller, unauthorised cylinders and putting them up for sale. One person has been arrested and booked under the Essential Commodities Act in the matter, an officer said.A total of 13 domestic cylinders have been seized along with equipment used for the unauthorised gas transfer, he added.According to Smriti Gautam, officer-in-charge of the district supply department, the raid was conducted around 5pm on Saturday at a residence in Tulsi Vihar Colony near Nathu Chowk. The premises belonged to the accused, Vinay Kumar, a native of Etah currently residing in Dadri.“During the search, officials recovered two filled 14.2 kg domestic LPG cylinders and 11 empty domestic cylinders of various oil companies, including Bharat Petroleum, Indane (Indian Oil) and Hindustan Petroleum. In addition, a 5 kg non-ISI cylinder was also found at the site,” said Gautam.An electronic weighing machine, a refilling apparatus fitted with iron and brass nozzles and a regulator connected to a rubber pipe were found at the site.Gautam said such illegal rackets often disrupt the regulated supply of LPG cylinders. “In addition, they also pose a serious safety risk as chances of gas leaks and explosions increase when using non-standard cylinders,” the officer said.Apart from Kumar, several unidentified persons have also been mentioned in the FIR registered in the case. Further legal proceedings are underway, a police officer said.Police urged residents to report any illegal activities regarding LPG supply and use, reiterating that strict action will be taken against those involved in such cases.Meanwhile, district magistrate Medha Roopam conducted a surprise inspection of a gas agency in Greater Noida’s Ghanghola village on Tuesday. She reviewed stock records, checked cylinder availability, inspected transport vehicles and assessed overall operational arrangements at the facility of HP Gas. She also took note of lapses like the late arrival of the warehouse in-charge and gaps in management, and directed officials to ensure stricter compliance. Emphasising accountability, she said, “Transparency in the gas distribution system must be ensured and cylinders should reach all eligible beneficiaries safely.”She further instructed that all registers be properly maintained and secured, CCTV cameras remain fully functional and safety norms in transportation be strictly followed. Noting the absence of adequate security, she also directed local police to deploy sufficient personnel at the agency. Warning against negligence, Roopam stated, “Any deficiencies found in the system will invite strict action”.
