Finally, CBI arrests ‘Telgi’s friend’

At Dhule, Totla’s factories used to mix petrol and Naptha, which was then supplied to petrol pumps across the region. In some cases, Naptha-laden trucks used to stop over directly at petrol pumps.

The scam first came to light in 2004 when the sales tax department slapped notices worth crores on some residents of slums. Based on a complaint from them, the issue was highlighted in the Maharashtra Assembly by the then leader of opposition in the Upper House, Nitin Gadkari.

According to estimates, Totla evaded state and Central excise duties and entry tax worth over Rs 2,000 crore. Sources say the figure is expected to be much higher since Totla has been operating since 1994.

Totla is also wanted in the stamp paper case. He is said to have befriended Telgi after he sold him a factory in Turbe’s MIDC area in Thane district. Both are believed to be partners in crime. Ever since Telgi’s arrest, the police had been on the lookout for Totla.

In Jalgaon, the Totla family runs a couple of petrol pumps and owns a two-wheeler showroom and a petrochemical unit.