Gujarat SMC raids adulterated diesel unit in Junagadh, seizes fuel and assets worth ₹13 lakh

Gujarat Police’s Special Monitoring Cell (SMC) conducted a major raid against the illegal sale of adulterated diesel in Junagadh district, seizing fuel and other materials collectively valued at ₹13.69 lakh, police said on Friday.

According to officials, the raid was carried out between January 8 and 9 at Surya Vandana Enterprise located at Galodar Dhar, Maliya Hatina, following specific inputs about the sale and storage of adulterated diesel. The operation was conducted in coordination with the Maliya Hatina Police Station.

During the search, the SMC team seized 1,700 litres of adulterated diesel, estimated to be worth ₹1.22 lakh. Police also confiscated two vehicles valued at ₹10.25 lakh, five mobile phones worth ₹25,000, and cash amounting to ₹26,370.

In addition, officers recovered equipment allegedly used in the illegal operation, including three storage tanks worth ₹1.05 lakh, one diesel dispenser machine valued at ₹50,000, and two electric motors worth ₹10,000. The total value of seized goods is ₹13.69 lakh, police said.

Five persons were detained during the raid and later handed over to the Maliya Hatina Police Station for further legal action. The accused have been identified as Dilipsinh Sindhav, described as a partner of the main accused, Kishor Bavaji, Tharan Bhalgariya, Piyu Harsukh Jadav and Prashant Kathi, all from Junagadh district.

Police said Vikram Bhurani, a resident of Vadala, Maliya Hatina, identified as the main accused, is currently absconding, and a search has been launched to trace him.

An FIR has been registered under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, sections of the Essential Commodities Act, and section of the Explosives Act, police said. Further investigation is underway to determine the extent of the adulteration network and possible links to fuel distribution channels in the region.