Jharsuguda: Police, officials of Civil Supplies and Weights and Measures Departments conducted joint-checks at several filling stations in Jharsuguda town following reports that some petrol retailers are allegedly installing micro-chips and other electronic gadgets to cheat consumers in weight.
"As per the direction of SP, we are inspecting the petrol pumps as some filling stations are cheating consumers in weight by using electronic chips", said Anand Chandra Biswal, inspecting officer.
Jharsuguda police IIC Sabitri Bal said, "We along with the officials of Supplies and Weights and Measures departments conducted surprise raids at all petrol pumps in Jharsuguda town after reports that microelectronic chips are being used to manipulate the calibration system of dispensing pumps."
The officials first undertook the checks at a filling station near Beheramal in the town. Three fuel dispensing machines at the stations were checked. However, the official didn't find any discrepancies in weights.
The checks will continue further at other filling stations, they said.
Recently, Odisha DGP RP Sharma had directed the SPs of all districts and DCPs of the Twin Cities of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack to conduct checks at the petrol pumps to prevent manipulation in fuel quantity. The DGP had also instructed the cops to register cases under appropriate Sections of IPC and Orissa Weights and Measures (Enforcement) Act, if they notice any trickery at the petrol pumps.