Newz Desk, Durgapur: After alleged fuel pilferage involving petrol and diesel, an illegal ethanol siphoning racket has reportedly emerged along National Highway-19 in West Bengal’s Bardhaman district, raising concerns over public safety, revenue loss and possible fuel adulteration.
According to local sources, the illegal operation has been taking place near a warehouse located along the Durgapur-bound service road at the Metel DVC area under Bardhaman Police Station. Residents allege that ethanol-laden tankers arriving from the Guskara side stop at the location late at night, where ethanol is siphoned from the tankers into drums under the cover of darkness using torchlights and mobile phone flashlights.
The siphoning operation is reportedly completed within half an hour, after which the tankers continue towards Durgapur. Locals claim that ethanol is allegedly stolen from four to five tankers every night, resulting in the diversion of ethanol worth several lakh rupees on a daily basis.
Residents have further alleged that the stolen ethanol is being supplied to certain petrol pumps, where it is illegally mixed with fuel to increase profits. With ethanol-blended petrol now widely available, the illegally procured ethanol is allegedly being added in excess of the prescribed proportion after being purchased at lower prices.
Local sources also claim that the racket is being operated by a well-organised network and have alleged the involvement of two businessmen from the Kankora area under Kanksa Police Station in Paschim Bardhaman district. However, these allegations have not been independently verified, and no official confirmation has been issued regarding the identity or involvement of any individual.
Apart from the alleged financial loss to the government through tax and revenue evasion, residents have expressed concern over the serious fire hazard posed by the illegal transfer of highly flammable ethanol on the roadside. They warned that the practice could trigger a major accident if left unchecked.
Following the allegations, police have initiated a preliminary inquiry. A senior police official said that Bardhaman Police Station has been directed to verify the allegations and take appropriate action based on the findings.
The investigation is underway, and authorities are yet to confirm the extent of the alleged ethanol theft racket.
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