Oil Heist in Rajasthan: Syndicate Exposed After 20 Tonnes Stolen

The Investigation Unveils a Complex Network

Theindiapostdaily.com – An oil heist in Rajasthan syndicate has been brought to light following the arrest of eight individuals by the Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS). These accused persons allegedly stole approximately 20 tonnes of crude oil from an HPCL pipeline that runs through the Balotra district. The investigation revealed a sophisticated operation involving precise timing, local knowledge, and strategic connections.

The eight arrested individuals include Ghanshyam Soni (54) and Jayrajsinh Chudasama (34), both residents of Rajkot; Mukesh Meghwal (44) from Jalore in Rajasthan; Ranjit Chorasiya (48) from Gandhinagar; Ramesh Thakore (41), Sureji Thakore (32) and Mahesh Thakore (32) from Mehsana; and Dilip Yadav (35), from Etawah in Uttar Pradesh.

How the Theft Was Executed

The syndicate members exploited their understanding of the local infrastructure to carry out the theft. According to reports, they illegally punctured the HPCL crude oil pipeline and installed a valve in a three to four-foot deep pit located in wasteland near Kaludi village in Balotra district.

> “The accused had illegally punctured and installed a valve in the HPCL crude oil pipeline in a three to four-foot deep pit in the wasteland on the border of Kaludi village in Balotra district of Rajasthan.”

Their operation was made possible through jail connections and detailed knowledge of the 20-km HPCL refinery network. This local expertise allowed them to identify the exact underground route of the pipeline and time their thefts effectively.

The Arrest and Investigation Process

Authorities received intelligence about individuals attempting to sell the stolen crude oil on the Ahmedabad-Rajkot highway. This led to the arrest of one person near Sokhda village in Rajkot district, which eventually unraveled the entire syndicate.

During interrogation, the accused revealed the complete operation, leading to the arrest of seven additional suspects from Tapra village in Balotra district. The case was registered under section 35(1) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) and various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for theft, criminal conspiracy, and negligent conduct related to fire.

Legal Framework and Ongoing Probe

The legal proceedings against the accused include charges under the Petroleum and Minerals Pipelines (Acquisition of Right of User in Land) Act, 1962, and the Prevention of Damage to Public Works Act. The ATS continues to investigate whether additional persons were involved in the criminal operation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the total quantity of crude oil stolen in this incident? The syndicate allegedly stole 20 tonnes of crude oil from the HPCL pipeline in Rajasthan. Which district in Rajasthan is affected by this oil heist? The Balotra district in Rajasthan is the primary location where the pipeline was punctured and the theft occurred. How many people have been arrested so far? Eight individuals were initially arrested by the Gujarat ATS, with seven more suspects from Tapra village subsequently taken into custody. What legal charges have been filed against the accused? The accused face charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, BNSS, Petroleum and Minerals Pipelines Act, and Prevention of Damage to Public Works Act. Where was the stolen oil being sold? The syndicate was reportedly selling the stolen crude oil to a resident in Beawar, Rajasthan, when authorities received the tip-off that led to their arrest.