Illegal gas refilling operation exposed in Sabarmati, ₹1.5 lakh worth of cylinders confiscated

In a major crackdown on illegal LPG refilling operations, the Sabarmati Police unearthed an unauthorised gas cylinder refilling unit operating out of a makeshift godown in Tragad village. The unit was found to be storing and refilling both commercial and domestic LPG cylinders in gross violation of fire safety norms, posing a serious threat to public safety.

Acting on a tip-off, a police patrol team raided a shed structure located near the Goga Bapa temple in Tragad village around 12.55 pm on May 20. Upon inspection, the police found Manilal Mewabhai Parmar (45), a resident of Parshwa Residency, Sabarmati, operating the illegal refilling unit. Parmar admitted to transferring LPG from domestic cylinders into commercial ones using electric pumps and motors installed inside the godown. He failed to produce any valid license or permit for the activity.

The police seized items from the site, including 63 LPG cylinders of various brands (including Bharat Gas and Indian Oil), both filled and empty, valued at over ₹1.5 lakh, Two electric motors with refilling pipes and brass nozzles, one digital weighing machine which was used for measuring gas and one loading tempo used to transport cylinders, total value of seized goods was worth ₹2.1 lakh

The godown lacked any fire extinguishing equipment or basic fire safety infrastructure, despite storing large quantities of highly flammable material. The police have registered a case against Parmar under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, for negligent conduct with respect to explosive substances and the Essential Commodities Act, which prohibits unauthorised storage and distribution of LPG.

Officials emphasised the grave risk such illegal setups pose to public safety, especially in densely populated areas. The materials seized have been documented and stored securely, and further investigation is underway. Further investigation regarding the case is on.