A petrol pump owner and six others were arrested for pilfering around 8,500 litres of diesel worth around Rs 26 lakh from the Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) pipeline in Sambalpur.
The arrested petrol pump owner has been identified as a resident of Kalahandi who received the stolen diesel. Among the rest arrested persons, four are from Sambalpur district and the rest two belong to Bargarh district. The police also seized a tanker, a car and a generator used in the crime.
Informing about the arrest, Sambalpur Superintendent of Police B Gangadhar said, “They (the IOCL officials) had informed all the police stations under which the Jatni-Sambalpur pipeline comes about the decrease in the pressure in the pipeline particularly passing through Hatibari jungle under Jujumura police limits.”
“During the investigation, it transpired that they had installed a pressure valve but we couldn’t find the exact location. On the intervening night of February 9 and 10, they had stolen diesel worth Rs 26 lakh in two tankers. On being informed, we reached the spot but by that time, they had already left the spot. We seized a generator from the spot,” he added.
Informing about the progress of the investigation, he further added, “After analysing CCTV footage, we arrested seven persons. Subsequently, we seized a tanker and a car. The accused who provided the technical know-how is still at large. Our efforts are underway to nab him.”
“Among the seven arrested persons, one is the receiver of the stolen diesel who owns a petrol pump in Kalahandi district,” he added.
A detailed investigation is underway to find out if any other persons are involved.
(Reported by Sanjay Kumar Jena, OTV)