Major Action Against Illegal Gas Refilling in Jagdalpur; Large Number of Cylinders Seized

Raipur, March 2026 : The Bastar district administration has taken action against those involved in the black marketing of LPG gas and seized a large number of cylinders. In this connection, acting on the instructions of Collector Akash Chhikara, the Food Department team carried out a major operation on Tuesday in Deendayal Upadhyay Ward of the city.

According to information provided by Food Controller Ghanshyam Rathore, the department had received credible information about illegal storage near Balaji Care Hospital in Rautpara. Acting on this tip-off, the team conducted a surprise raid at the residence of a person named Prashant Mahajan. During the inspection, a large stock of gas cylinders was found inside the house, for which no valid documents could be produced. Officials recovered a total of 24 domestic gas cylinders and 10 commercial gas cylinders from the spot. In addition, three refilling pipes used for illegal gas extraction and refilling from cylinders were also seized.

The administration believes that due to ongoing international tensions, the limited supply of domestic gas is being exploited by some individuals who intend to sell gas at inflated prices. To curb such black marketing and ensure smooth availability of gas to the general public, the district administration has now adopted a strict approach.

The entire operation was successfully carried out by an experienced team of the Food Department, which included Food Inspectors Sheikh Abdul Qadir, Umesh Chaudhary, Hemant Brahmbhatt, and Payal Verma. The department has taken possession of the seized materials and initiated legal action against the concerned individual. Similar inspections and actions will continue in the coming days.