Rishikesh: Amid rising demand for cooking gas, the district administration has busted a large-scale LPG hoarding in Rishikesh. The Quick Response Team (QRT) raided a closed shop on Khadri Lakkadghat Road and recovered 135 commercial cylinders stored illegally.
The raid took place around 3 pm on Tuesday following a complaint of illegal storage. When the shop shutters were opened in the presence of police and administration officials, the entire shop was found packed with LPG cylinders.
Supply Inspector Sunil Deoli confirmed that 135 cylinders were seized. These included 51 HP cylinders, 44 Indane cylinders, and 40 BPC cylinders. The seized cylinders were handed over to Ashutosh Gas Agency for safe custody.
Case Registered
On the complaint of Supply Inspector Deoli, a case has been registered at Rishikesh police station under relevant sections of the Essential Commodities Act. The accused has been identified as Dharmendra Singh, a resident of Najafgarh, New Delhi, with a local address at Lakkadghat Road, Rishikesh.
Inspector-in-charge of Rishikesh Kotwali, Kailash Chandra Bhatt, said that police have registered the case and further investigation is underway.
Family Connection
During the operation, a man named Jitendra Singh Chauhan, resident of Bapugram, reached the spot. He claimed that the cylinders belonged to his brother Dharmendra Singh, who currently lives in Delhi. Authorities are verifying these claims as part of the investigation.
Illegal Hoarding Concerns
Officials said that hoarding of LPG cylinders is a serious violation, especially at a time when demand for cooking gas is high. Such illegal storage not only disrupts supply but also poses safety risks. The administration has warned that strict action will continue against those involved in hoarding and black marketing of essential commodities.
Investigation is underway
The seizure of 135 commercial LPG cylinders in Rishikesh highlights the administration’s crackdown on illegal hoarding. With a case registered under the Essential Commodities Act, authorities are determined to ensure fair distribution of cooking gas and prevent black marketing. The investigation into Dharmendra Singh’s role is ongoing.