Cuttack: Amid rising concerns over LPG shortages and increasing incidents of black marketing across India, over 35 cylinders were seized as part of an enforcement drive in Odisha's Cuttack district. The raid was carried out in in Jhajia village under Badamba police limits, exposing an illegal LPG black marketing operation. The joint operation was conducted by the Athagarh Supply Department and Badamba tehsil administration at a shop owned by Suresh Pani. Additional Tehsildar of Badamba, Supply Officer Bishnu Charan Parida, and local police officials were present as well. Officials seized a total of 37 LPG cylinders, including 13 filled and 24 empty cylinders.

As per reports, the accused was allegedly operating under the guise of a fuel gas agency and engaging in unauthorized sale and hoarding of domestic LPG cylinders. 

Crackdown intensifies as raids expose widespread LPG hoarding

In a similar operation, the Angul Supply Department raided another location engaged in illegal LPG trade and confiscated eight cylinders. Officials stated that hoarding and black marketing of domestic LPG have been key factors behind the ongoing supply shortages. To address the issue, authorities have stepped up enforcement efforts across various areas, leading to the seizure of a total of 74 cylinders so far.

Also read: Major Crackdown on Illegal LPG Trade in Bhubaneswar; 110 Cylinders Seized