Mangaluru: Officials from the Food and Civil Supplies Department, in coordination with Panambur police, conducted a raid in Baikampady and seized a large quantity of petrol and diesel that had been illegally stored without a valid licence. The operation was carried out following a tip-off about unauthorised fuel stockpiling in a bushy area near an industrial zone.
Authorities said the raid was part of ongoing enforcement efforts to curb illegal storage and distribution of petroleum products, which pose serious safety and regulatory risks. A case has been registered against unknown persons under relevant provisions of the Essential Commodities Act and the Petroleum Act.
Tip-off led to planned inspection
According to the official complaint filed by Rekha, a Food Inspector with the department, credible information was received regarding unlawful storage of petrol and diesel in plastic cans. The fuel was reportedly hidden in a bushy stretch behind Shakti Complex, located near the BPCL petrol and diesel plant road in Baikampady.
After receiving the information, the Food Inspector informed the Deputy Director of the Food and Civil Supplies Department and obtained formal permission to proceed with an inspection and raid. A departmental team was then formed and moved to the location in an official vehicle. Panambur police personnel accompanied the team to provide security and legal support during the operation.
Officials said such coordination between civil supplies authorities and police is necessary in cases involving petroleum products because of the potential fire hazard and the possibility of organised illegal resale.
Large quantity of petrol and diesel found
During the search of the identified spot, officials discovered multiple plastic cans filled with diesel and petrol, stored without any safety measures or licence. The fuel containers were concealed in vegetation, indicating an attempt to avoid detection.
As per the seizure report, diesel was stored in:
- Two 30-litre cans
- Eleven 20-litre cans
- One 25-litre can
- One 10-litre can
Petrol was stored in:
- Nine 20-litre cans
- Two 25-litre cans
Apart from the filled containers, the team also recovered several empty plastic cans of different capacities, suggesting that the location may have been used repeatedly for illegal fuel storage and transfer.
Equipment used for transfer also recovered
Officials also seized supporting materials that are typically used for transferring or siphoning fuel. These included a long saffron-coloured pipe, a funnel, and a PVC pipe found at the site. Such equipment is commonly used in unauthorised decanting and resale operations, according to enforcement officers.
The presence of transfer tools along with multiple cans has led officials to suspect that the fuel may have been intended for illegal retail sale or diversion. Unlicensed storage and handling of petrol and diesel is considered highly dangerous due to fire and explosion risks, especially in non-compliant containers and open areas.
The total value of the seized petrol, diesel, and related materials is estimated at around Rs 40,970.
Identity of offenders yet to be established
At the time of the raid, no individuals were found present at the storage location. Officials said they were unable to immediately identify the persons responsible for stocking the fuel illegally. Since the materials were stored in an open but concealed area, investigators suspect that those involved may have been monitoring movement in the area and avoided being caught.
Panambur police have registered a case against unknown persons and begun further investigation. Officers are expected to review nearby CCTV footage, question local workers and businesses, and track possible supply sources to identify those responsible.
Legal action under key Acts
Authorities confirmed that the case has been booked for violations under the Essential Commodities Act and the Petroleum Act. Both laws regulate the storage, transport, and sale of fuel and other critical commodities. Storing petrol or diesel without proper authorisation, safety certification, and licence is a punishable offence.
Officials from the Food and Civil Supplies Department said enforcement drives will continue across industrial and semi-industrial areas where illegal fuel storage is more likely. Surprise inspections and joint operations with police will be intensified to prevent black marketing and unsafe handling of petroleum products.
Conclusion
The Baikampady seizure highlights the continuing challenge of illegal fuel storage and distribution in industrial belts. Authorities have reiterated that strict action will be taken against violators, given the safety hazards and regulatory breaches involved. The investigation is ongoing, and further action is expected once those behind the illegal stockpiling are identified.