REWARI: In a major crackdown on suspected fuel theft and illegal smuggling, the Crime Investigation Agency (CIA) of Rewari police raided a secluded hideout in the fields of Khijuri village, near National Highway 48, in the Dharuhera police station area, seizing more than 2,200 litres of an inflammable petrol-ethanol mixture, two modified pickup vehicles and specialised machinery allegedly used for transporting fuel.The operation was conducted under the guidance of Rewari superintendent of police Hemendra Kumar Meena, IPS, as part of the district-wide drive against fuel theft and other illegal activities. The CIA team, led by inspector Sanjay Kumar, acted on specific intelligence inputs about the suspected operation at the isolated location.According to police, the suspects fled after noticing the approaching team. Raids are being conducted at possible hideouts to apprehend them.Inspector Sanjay Kumar said the CIA had earlier registered cases against alleged fuel theft gangs in the Model Town and Kosli areas, arresting suspects as part of its crackdown. Following sustained police pressure, those allegedly involved in the illegal trade abandoned their previous hideouts and shifted operations to the secluded fields of Khijuri village, police said.The seizure included approximately 11.5 filled drums containing more than 2,200 litres of the petrol-ethanol mixture, six empty drums, two specially modified pickup vehicles, electric and mechanical fuel-transfer machines, pipes, funnels, buckets and other accessories allegedly used for loading and unloading fuel.Preliminary findings suggest that the illegally handled fuel was being supplied to neighbouring Rajasthan, where fuel prices are higher than in Haryana. Investigators suspect the operators were exploiting the price difference to make unlawful profits. Police are probing the source of the fuel and the suspected network of transporters, tanker drivers and buyers.SP Meena said the district police would take strict action against those involved in illegal activities, smuggling and practices endangering public safety.Dharuhera police are conducting a detailed investigation to identify all those linked to the suspected racket. The suspects remained at large at the time of the raid, and efforts to arrest them were continuing
