Belagavi: In a major crackdown on illegal fuel trade, Malmaruti police have busted a large diesel smuggling racket operating on lines similar to gold smuggling from Gulf countries. Acting on a specific tip-off, the police seized a diesel tanker transporting petroleum products without valid documents, resulting in significant revenue losses to both the central and state govts.The operation was led by Malmaruti police inspector BR Gaddekar, who intercepted the tanker on Jan15 along the Auto Nagar–Kanabargi stretch while it was en route from Mumbai to Bengaluru via Belagavi. Upon inspection, the tanker was found carrying nearly 17,000 litres of diesel, worth around Rs 17 lakh, without the mandatory permits or documentation.The prime accused has been identified as Dineshkumar Bhagirath Ramji, a resident of Rajasthan. Preliminary investigations have revealed the involvement of at least six others, including one person from Rajasthan and four from Maharashtra. The tanker owner, identified as Arihant from Tumakuru, is also under investigation, pointing to the existence of a well-organised interstate smuggling network.Police suspect that the petroleum products were illegally imported from Gulf countries through ships and diverted before reaching authorised oil companies. The diesel was allegedly sold in black markets at nearly half the prevailing market price and distributed through unauthorised channels across Maharashtra and Karnataka. Officials believe the racket has caused revenue losses amounting to crores, given the high tax component on petroleum products.A case has been registered under sections 3, 7 and 10 of the Essential Commodities Act, Section 287 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), and relevant provisions of the Motor Spirit and High Speed Diesel (Regulation of Supply and Distribution and Prevention of Malpractices) Order, 2005.Addressing the media on Wednesday, city police commissioner Bhushan Borase said a detailed, two-pronged investigation is under way to determine the scale and duration of the racket, the intended destinations of the seized fuel, and the identity of buyers in Belagavi and other areas. “Special teams are likely to be sent to Mumbai, Rajasthan and Maharashtra soon, where similar cases were reportedly registered earlier,” he added.
