Cops launch statewide crack down on LPG black marketing

Bhubaneswar: Odisha police launched a statewide crack down on black marketing of LPG, seizing hundreds of hoarded cylinders and making multiple arrests on Thursday evening.In Sambalpur’s Burla area, police intercepted a vehicle carrying 161 cylinders being transported illegally and arrested the driver. In Puri, 58 cylinders were seized and six men detained. “Acting on credible information regarding illegal hoarding and black marketing of LPG cylinders in Puri district, we conducted special inspections and raids across different police station areas. Strict action was taken against individuals involved in unauthorized storage and black marketing. A significant number of cylinders were seized during the drive,” said Puri SP Prateek Singh.Police emphasized that unauthorised hoarding or trading of LPG cylinders is a serious offence that endangers public safety. Singh urged citizens to report suspicious activity to the nearest police station or dial 112.The crack down follows directives from the state police headquarters after an alert from the Centre, instructing all district SPs to intensify action against LPG black marketing, prevent theft and maintain law and order during the crisis.