Belgaum, Jan 21: Police have unearthed a huge network of diesel smuggling from Gulf countries to Karnataka, similar to gold smuggling. This illegality, which was causing crores of rupees in tax loss to the central and state governments, has been unearthed by the police of Malmaruti police station in Belgaum through a lightning operation. Acting on specific information, the diesel smuggling came to light when the police of Malmaruti police station raided a tanker carrying diesel from Mumbai to Bengaluru via Belgaum.
A police team led by Inspector B.R. Gaddekar conducted this operation and found that petroleum products were being transported without any documents.
Diesel worth Rs. 17 lakh seized
During the raid, around Rs. 17 lakh were seized. Police have seized 17,000 liters of diesel and a tanker worth Rs. 100,000. During the investigation, the role of the tanker owner, Arihant, from Tumkur, came to light, and it is clear that this is a large-scale smuggling network, police sources said.
Oil products are being illegally brought to India from Gulf countries, and it is suspected that officials from Maharashtra and Rajasthan are also involved in this network. It is surprising that no one knew about this oil smuggling business even though it has been going on for so many years.
Diesel smuggling through ships from Gulf countries
According to sources, petroleum products were being transported to oil corporations through ships from Gulf countries. The police are also investigating the possibility that some ship owners are involved in this illegal network. It is also suspected that the smugglers have direct links with oil producers from Gulf countries.
Diesel sold at half price
This diesel, which is being illegally imported, is being sold at half price in Kalasante and is likely to be supplied to various diesel stations in Maharashtra and Karnataka. The charges of these oil thieves are yet to be revealed through investigation.
Currently, the police have decided to conduct a two-pronged investigation and preparations are being made to send special teams to Mumbai and Rajasthan. Belgaum Police Commissioner Bhushan Borase has given information about the case.