Staff Reporter
DIMAPUR, SEPTEMBER 4
TWO persons suspected to be involved in oil adulteration racket were arrested Tuesday evening during a joint operation carried out by the Dimapur district administration and police personnel.
The duo, a driver and a handyman, were apprehended after their truck was found inside the fencing/area of a godown in Padumpukhuri suspected to be used for oil adulteration. They have been identified as Ram Janon Rai (Driver), 48 years, son of Chitaman Rai of Bundrapur village under Motihari district in Bihar and Nato Zeliang (Handyman), 21 years and son of Deilung Zeliang of Jalukie town under Peren district. They both are permanent residents of Golaghat road near petrol depot.
Police said the arrested duo have claimed their innocence stating that they were ignorant about the whole incident. But the police maintained that the arrest have been made for interrogation as their truck was found inside one of the suspected godowns.
During the exercise, the joint team along with four parties raided four godowns including the one in Padumpukhuri. The other godowns were at Golaghat road, another at Gorapatti near Kuki Church and one at 4th Mile. Except in Padumpukhuri, all the other godowns were found empty and unattended atleast during the period of closure of oil depots called by NSCN IM.
At Golaghat road godown, the team seized 11 syntex with 2000 litres capacity (C), one syntex with 1000 litres C, three oil tanks with 12,000 litres C, another oil tank with 5000 litres C. In total, 7500 litres of oil containing kerosene was found. This particular godown was found to be locked from outside before the raid was carried out.
At Gorapatti, the team seized five gallons with 25 litres capacity (C), three gallons with 20 litres C, one gallon with 10 litres C. Here even, a total of 195 litres of oil mixed with kerosene was discovered.
In the other two go downs, the operation team only found empty syntex and jerry cans except 100 litres of petrol found at Padumpukhuri godown which is suspected to be adulterated.
Talking to Eastern Mirror, Dimapur SP, VZ Angami said the arrested duo will be booked under appropriate action if found guilty. Further requesting all concerned oil depots to do away from the practice of selling adulterated oil, the SP cautioned that strong action would be initiated against the defaulters.
