190 illegal gas cylinders seized, one vehicle impounded: Shimla DM

Upon receiving information, the ADM, along with DSP Sandeep Sharma, Inspector Sunil Verma from the District Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department, and police constables Rishiraj and Abhishek, set up a checkpoint at Bhattakufar, the DM said.

“During the inspection, a truck carrying cylinders was stopped. The driver claimed that the vehicle belonged to Confidence Petroleum Limited, India. The truck was found carrying 60 filled cylinders weighing 19.2 kg each, while 130 empty cylinders were also seized. The consignment was being transported from Guruwapind, Saklapura Road, Mohali, Punjab, for delivery at four locations in Shimla city. These included Himalayan Gas Agency, Shoghi; Ishita Gas Agency near Tutu; Kapret Gas Agency, Sanjauli; and Himalayan Gas Agency, Kufri,” the official said.

According to the official, “Distribution of cylinders at Himalayan Gas Agency, Shoghi, 40 filled and 40 empty cylinders (21 kg each) were exchanged. At Ishita Gas Agency near Totu, 35 cylinders of 17 kg and 15 cylinders of 21 kg were delivered, and an equal number of empty cylinders were returned. At Kapret Gas Agency, Sanjauli, 32 cylinders of 19.2 kg, 7 of 21 kg, and one of 10 kg were exchanged with the same quantity of empty cylinders. The truck also carried 60 filled cylinders weighing 19.2 kg each, meant for Kufri, but the administration seized the consignment before distribution.”

The DM said, “Upon investigation, it was found that none of the four agencies mentioned by the driver had been issued an exclusive certificate by the district administration. The bills presented at the site lacked details of the exclusive certificate number. This has now brought the Mohali-based supplier under scrutiny for dispatching gas without proper certification. The Food and Civil Supplies Department has launched an inquiry into the matter.”

The DM said strict action was being pursued in the case, as illegal cylinders were being supplied to the city through four agencies without proper documentation, as no valid paperwork or exclusive certificate details were provided at the scene.

“This is a critical issue concerning public safety. All personnel engaged in public services must follow protocols; failing which, punitive action will be enforced. The district administration is committed to ensuring the safety and convenience of citizens and will continue cracking down on such illegal activities,” he added.