ANGUL: The district administration has launched a massive crackdown on hoarders and distributors of LPG cylinders following reports of distribution of cylinders among voters ahead of the panchayat elections to woo voters across the district.
So far, three criminal cases have been registered and as many as 463 cylinders seized from various parts of the district. Two gas agencies, namely Maa Budhi Gas Agency and Snehalata Gas Agency, in the city have been raided by the officials of Supply department and police.
According to sources, the combined team of police and Supply department seized 73 full gas cylinders from Changudia village, 351 empty cylinders from Bantala, 10 from Jubuka and three from another village in three days.
“Of the 463 cylinders seized so far, 83 were full and others were empty but were stored illegally. We also raided two gas agencies here and found several irregularities prompting us to file case against Budhi Agency,” said Additional District Magistrate Srinibash Behera.
The agency was raided following seizure of 73 full gas cylinders from one Sudhakar Sahu of Changudia village under Chhendipada block two days back. “Sahu was arrested and forwarded to court on charges of violating Explosives Act by hoarding a large number of cylinders at home. Two other cases have also been registered regarding seizure of empty cylinders,” said Rabindra Nath, Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO).
Angul Collector Anil Kumar Samal has constituted a special squad comprising police officials, magistrate and supply officials to raid hoarders in the district.