Belthangady police seize 4,175 litres of illegally stored diesel, one arrested

Mangaluru : In a major crackdown on illegal fuel storage, police in Belthangady taluk of Dakshina Kannada district seized more than 4,000 litres of diesel allegedly hoarded without licence. One person has been arrested in connection with the case.

The operation was conducted late on March 9 following credible information received by police. A team led by Belthangady subdivision Deputy Superintendent of Police Rohini C. K. raided a shed near a house in Mudalthiyar area of Kaniyooru village.

During the inspection, officers found large quantities of diesel stored in multiple drums and cans. The accused, identified as Jagadish (35), had reportedly stored the fuel without obtaining the necessary permissions or following safety regulations mandated under law.

Police said they recovered around 4,175 litres of diesel from the premises. The fuel was stored in 20 metal drums with a capacity of about 200 litres each and five plastic cans that could hold around 35 litres. Several empty drums and containers were also discovered at the location.

Officials estimate the total value of the seized diesel to be about ₹3.5 lakh.

According to investigators, the accused allegedly stored the fuel anticipating a possible rise in fuel prices due to global tensions related to the Israel–Iran conflict escalation. Authorities believe he may have intended to use or sell the fuel for commercial purposes later.

During interrogation, Jagadish reportedly told police that he had purchased the diesel from a friend about a week earlier. He also informed investigators that he owns a lorry and an excavator, which require significant quantities of fuel for operation.

However, police said the fuel was stored illegally without any licence and without the safety measures required for handling petroleum products. Such storage, officials said, poses serious safety risks, including the possibility of fire accidents.

Following the raid, police registered a case at Uppinangady Police Station under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita along with relevant sections of the Petroleum Act, 1934 and the Essential Commodities Act, 1955.

Police officials said further investigation is underway to trace the source of the diesel and to verify whether the accused had planned to hoard larger quantities in anticipation of fuel shortages.

Authorities have reiterated that illegal storage of fuel without proper permits is a punishable offence and strict action will be taken against those violating petroleum safety regulations.