Mangaluru: Police have seized 4,175 litres of diesel allegedly stored illegally at a shed near a house in Kaniyoor village of Belthangady taluk and registered a case at the Uppinangady police station.
Raid conducted following tip-off
The seizure was made during a raid conducted on the night of March 9 after police received credible information about the illegal storage of fuel.
According to police sources, the information was initially received by Belthangady Sub-Divisional Deputy Superintendent of Police Rohini CK. Acting on the tip-off, she directed the Uppinangady Circle Inspector and police personnel of the station to verify the information and conduct a search at the suspected location.
The information suggested that a large quantity of diesel was being stored in barrels and cans at Mudalthiyar in Kaniyoor village without the required licence or safety measures.
Diesel stored in barrels and cans
During the search operation, police inspected a shed located near the house of Jagadish (35). Inside the shed, officers discovered a significant quantity of diesel stored in large containers.
Police found 20 barrels with a capacity of approximately 200 litres each. In addition to these barrels, five cans with a capacity of about 35 litres each were also found at the location.
The containers together held around 4,175 litres of diesel.
Apart from the filled containers, several empty barrels, cans and other materials suspected to have been used for storing and handling fuel were also recovered from the premises.
Seized materials worth Rs 3.5 lakh
The total value of the seized diesel and related materials is estimated to be around Rs 3.5 lakh.
During the inquiry at the spot, police questioned Jagadish regarding the storage of such a large quantity of diesel.
However, he reportedly failed to produce any valid licence or permission for storing the fuel. Authorities also noted that the diesel had been stored without adhering to mandatory safety regulations required for handling petroleum products.
Improper storage of such highly flammable substances can pose serious safety risks, including fire hazards and potential accidents in residential areas.
Case registered under multiple laws
Following the seizure, police registered a case at the Uppinangady police station against Jagadish.
The case has been booked under Section 287 and Section 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, which relate to negligent conduct with respect to fire or combustible materials and criminal liability.
In addition, provisions under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 — specifically Sections 3 and 7 — have also been invoked in the case.
Authorities have further applied Section 23 of the Petroleum Act, 1934, which deals with illegal storage and handling of petroleum products without proper authorisation.
Investigation underway
Police officials said that further investigation is underway to determine the purpose for which the diesel was being stored and whether it was intended for illegal sale or distribution.
Investigators are also examining whether the fuel was sourced legally and if other individuals were involved in the activity.
Authorities have warned that storing large quantities of petroleum products without licences or safety compliance is a serious offence that can lead to strict legal action.
The police have reiterated that strict monitoring will continue to prevent illegal storage and sale of fuel in the region.