by Jodhpur Police have uncovered a brazen scheme to steal crude oil from the Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) pipeline. A 100-foot tunnel was discovered during a survey by IOC officials near Raipur on the Pali-Jaipur highway. The investigation has been handed over to the special operations group of the police.
According to authorities, a half-inch pipe was connected to the IOC pipeline and laid through the tunnel to a nearby petrol pump. The theft of crude oil was taking place along the pipeline, which stretches from Mundra in Gujarat to Panipat in Haryana.
The illicit operation came to light when officials dug a pit at a faulty location and stumbled upon the tunnel. Excavation on Tuesday morning led them to a valve connected to a nearby petrol pump’s tank. The police were immediately informed, and a report was lodged at the Bar Police Station.
During the investigation, the manager of the petrol pump, Pradeep Mali, was arrested. The police are currently searching for the petrol pump owner. An IOC official revealed that a valve was mounted on the main pipeline, and a 100-foot-long tunnel had been dug 10 feet below the ground.
The petrol pump in question belonged to HPCL and had been closed for many years until it was recently allocated to Rajendra Jain from Barmer. Jain then rented it out to Akash Jain and Sohanlal Vishnoi. The police suspect that the accused individuals rented the pump to steal and sell crude oil from the IOC pipeline.
The authorities believe that the thieves were stealing oil from the pipeline and supplying it in tankers. The exact duration of the oil theft and the amount stolen so far have not been disclosed.
This incident highlights the need for increased security measures to protect valuable resources like crude oil. The police have taken swift action in apprehending one suspect and are continuing their efforts to bring all those involved to justice.
Published on Feb 15, 2024 at 08:56 AM IST, this news serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by companies and law enforcement agencies in preventing theft and ensuring the integrity of critical infrastructure.
