Gujarat SMC seizes over 20,500 litres of petrol, diesel in major raid

In a significant crackdown on fuel theft, the State Monitoring Cell (SMC) conducted raids on October 23–24 at multiple locations, including an open plot near Amma Roadways transport office, Jay Narayan Estate, Bhagvan Park, and IPCL Road in Ranoli.

The operation, carried out under the Jawaharnagar Police Station, resulted in the seizure of 20,545 litres of petrol and diesel, estimated to be worth ₹18.48 lakh. Additional assets seized included ₹930 cash, four mobile phones worth ₹30,500, three vehicles valued at ₹25.45 lakh, and one tanker document file. Nine miscellaneous items valued at ₹500 were also recovered. The total value of all confiscated goods stands at ₹44.25 lakh.

Four individuals were taken into custody in connection with the operation—

Sakil Samunbhai Rangwala, resident of Fatehganj, Vadodara, was identified as the main accused. He has a prior criminal record.

Mithilesh Lalbahadur Yadav, resident of Ranoli, Vadodara – servant.

Vipul Surshinh Permar, resident of Mirsapura, Vadodara – servant.

Dinesh Kumar Ram Kailash Yadav, resident of Ranoli, Vadodara – tanker driver.

The raids were conducted under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 and Sections of the Essential Commodities Act.

According to the raiding officer, PI P P Brahmbhatt of SMC, the operation aimed to dismantle a network involved in the illegal siphoning and sale of petrol and diesel. “The coordinated raid has enabled us to seize a substantial quantity of stolen fuel and apprehend the individuals involved, preventing further illicit sales in the city,” he said.

The police have handed over all four accused to Jawaharnagar Police Station for further investigation, while the seized fuel and assets remain in official custody pending legal proceedings.