Uttar Pradesh STF achieved a major victory against fuel adulterators, busting an inter-state gang and apprehending two members while recovering thousands of liters of laced petrol and diesel. The late-night February 9 sweep in Mainpuri’s Salempur under Kurawali police limits dismantled a sophisticated fraud ring plaguing the region.
Radhe Shyam from Firozabad and Ankit Yadav of Salempur were caught with gadgets, forged Aadhaar/PAN cards, debit cards, Rs 4,400 cash, and bogus LOIs mimicking oil company endorsements for fuel stations.
Authorities impounded 4,000 liters adulterated petrol plus 1,000 liters diesel from Avagadh Pump, and 3,000 liters tainted diesel from the rogue IBP pump in Chandai Kurawali, which stands sealed.
Revelations from grilling showed Radhe Shyam’s con game: Launching a fake Delhi-based petroleum firm in 2018, then a refinery clone, he swindled funds from dreamers seeking pump licenses in districts including Kannauj, Etawah, Firozabad, Auraiya, and Mainpuri—implicating over 12 sham sites.
Yadav fessed up to unauthorized biodiesel sales since 2020, blending in adulterants from western UP and Haryana chemical outfits. Beyond revenue shortfalls, the scam ravaged rural engines, causing breakdowns and endangering lives on roads.
Kurawali station has booked the accused under BNS and Essential Commodities Act, with local cops probing deeper. This takedown reinforces STF’s commitment to eradicating adulteration threats, calling for robust reforms in fuel regulation.