Tanker Carrying 17,000 Litres of Illegally Transported Diesel Seized; One Arrested

Belagavi: Belagavi police have busted a major racket involved in smuggling diesel from Gulf countries and illegally selling it within India. Acting on specific intelligence, the Malmaruti Police carried out a swift operation against the accused, who were allegedly evading taxes worth crores of rupees, causing significant losses to both the Central and State governments.

Based on credible information that diesel was being illegally transported by tanker from Mumbai via Belagavi to Bengaluru, the police intercepted the vehicle. A team led by Inspector B.R. Gaddekar traced and stopped the tanker, which was found to be transporting petroleum products without valid documents. During the raid, the police seized 17,000 litres of diesel worth approximately ₹17 lakh, along with the tanker.

The tanker driver, identified as Dinesh Kumar Bhagirath Ramji, a native of Rajasthan, was arrested in connection with the case. Police sources said vital clues have emerged pointing to a larger network, including the tanker owner Arihant, a resident of Tumakuru.

Preliminary investigation suggests that petroleum products were being illegally brought into India from Gulf countries through private ships and later sold in the black market at nearly half the official price. Information has also surfaced indicating the involvement of smugglers from Maharashtra and Rajasthan in the racket.

Addressing the media, Belagavi City Police Commissioner Bhushan Borase said, “A case has been registered in connection with the illegal transportation of fuel oil, and the tanker driver Dinesh Kumar Bhagirath Ramji, a native of Rajasthan, has been arrested. It has also come to light that Sukhdev Biyaram from Rajasthan; Istiyaq Sheikh, Kundan Matre, Sameer Parange and Praveen Auti from Maharashtra; and the tanker owner Arihant from Tumakuru are involved in this case. They will be questioned as part of the investigation.”

He further added, “During the import of petroleum products from Gulf nations, excess quantities are being brought in illegally. The diesel so obtained is being sold in the black market at half the price. The locations where this diesel was being sold will be ascertained during the course of the investigation.”