Chatra: A day after a clash broke out between consumers and staff at an LPG distribution point, the Chatra district administration on Thursday ordered a probe into alleged irregularities and black marketing by a local gas agency.A group of consumers, who were waiting for LPG cylinders for hours, got into a heated argument with employees of the Pratappur-based Indraprastha HP Gas Agency at Hunterganj on Wednesday. Reports suggest that some staff members were assaulted during the scuffle. Police reached the spot and brought the situation under control.“Some of us have not received cylinders for six months to a year, yet bookings and deliveries are being reflected in our accounts. We are also being deprived of subsidies,” alleged a consumer.Several beneficiaries further accused the agency staff of collusion and deliberate diversion of cylinders into the black market.Denying all allegations, agency owner Kapil Paswan said, “LPG distribution is being carried out strictly through OTP verification,” while claiming to have no knowledge of the reported assault.Taking cognisance of the incident and the allegations, district supply officer Neetu Singh on Thursday ordered the block supply officer to conduct a detailed inquiry into the functioning of LPG agencies in the district. “There is no shortage of LPG in the district. However, if any irregularity or black marketing is found, strict action will be taken against those responsible,” Singh said.She also appealed to consumers to immediately report any discrepancy in LPG distribution to the administration.
