Raids in Pulwama lead to seizure of 1.5 lakh litres of kerosene oil

PULWAMA — In view of pilferage of kerosene oil in the district along with incessant complaints coming from various quarters regarding illegal diversion of the controlled commodity, Deputy Commissioner Pulwama, Dr. Raghav Langer today led raids in various parts of the district and the teams seized approx 1.5 lakh litres of kerosene oil.

Deputy Commissioner was accompanied by Assistant Director, Food and Civil Supplies Pulwama and respective Tehsildars.

During the searches led by Deputy Commissioner, illegal storage and illegal sale of kerosene oil to the tune of whopping 1.5 lakh litres were found especially in places like Samboora, Khachkoot, Lethpora, Pampore and other places, having value of more than 75 lacs.

Multiple FIRs under the stringent Sections 3/7 of Essential Commodities Act, 1955 have been lodged against the culprits with arrests made, besides sealing of such premises being illegally used to store controlled commodity.

While commenting on administration’s promptness over the action taken, DC said that cognizance was taken on repeated complaints being received regarding the illegal sales of kerosene oil by some licensed kerosene oil dealers and other miscreants especially at locations along the NH.

He added that kerosene is a controlled commodity and was being illegally sold to some transporters, filling stations, hot wet mix plants and stone crushers in violation of law and rules.

He further added that illegal sales and siphoning of kerosene oil has led to deprivation of the same to thousands of AAY & PHH ration card holders, for whom this subsidised commodity is actually meant.

Many kerosene oil depots were sealed during the process with SKO dealers booked for non-maintenance of stock register, sale details, lack of receipts and challans. Directions have been given by the Deputy Commissioner to immediately start the process of cancellation of licenses of those dealers found involved in the illegal act.

Meanwhile, Assistant Director Food and Civil Supplies was also directed to lodge FIR against Tehsil Supply Officer (Kerosene) Pulwama in view of his prima facie involvement in the crime.

It is pertinent to note that many residents/ration card holders of the district had been regularly complaining regarding non-issuance of kerosene oil to them despite huge allotment quota of the district to the tune of 180 KL per month.

Deputy Commissioner Pulwama also issued an order regarding the decanting of kerosene oil at destined locations in the district wherein SKO dealers have been directed to ensure the same in presence of the respective Tehsildars for verification of quantities decanted under certification of Tehsildar/TSO.

It is noteworthy that any pilferage of kerosene oil/essential commodity is punishable under Section 7 of the Act for an imprisonment which may extend upto seven years along with fine.