Argus News - Breaking News: Fake LPG Racket Busted in Cuttack, Govt Assures Uninterrupted Fuel Supply

Cuttack, Mar 26: Commissionerate Police in Cuttack has busted a fake LPG gas racket, exposing a dangerous and illegal practice that put consumers at risk.

Acting on reliable information, Bidanasi police raided the residence of Dhruv Charan Behera, a gas delivery employee, and discovered that he had been filling empty LPG cylinders with water, sealing them, and selling them to unsuspecting customers.

Behera, who worked with a local gas agency, was also issuing fake receipts under the name of “Kalinga Gas Agency” to make the transactions appear legitimate. During the raid, police seized a two-wheeler, 10 LPG cylinders, ₹23,000 in cash, 35 cash memos, and several tools used in the illegal operation.

Also read: Govt Rejects Fuel Shortage Rumours, Assures Steady Supply

Authorities confirmed that further investigation is underway to identify others involved in the racket, and Behera may be taken on remand if required. Zone 3 ACP stated that strict action will be taken against all those connected to the scam.

Meanwhile on Wednesday, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas held a crucial virtual review meeting to ensure uninterrupted supply of petroleum products and natural gas across the country.

The Ministry emphasized that refineries are operating at full capacity and there is no shortage of petrol, diesel, CNG, or LPG. Citizens were urged not to panic or hoard fuel, as rumours of shortages or price hikes circulating on social media are baseless.

To strengthen supply, commercial establishments have been directed to prioritize PNG (piped natural gas) over LPG cylinders. The government also warned against black marketing and hoarding, instructing state administrations to enforce strict measures under the Essential Commodities Act.