Reported by Bit Irom
Imphal: Joint forces in Manipur seized 36 containers of petroleum products and arrested five drivers during operations targeting illegal transportation of fuel to Moreh.
A separate seizure was also made involving a Bolero pick-up. All arrests were made under the Essential Commodities Act following a state ban on the sale of fuel in loose containers.
Acting on a tip-off, the state police, in cooperation with central security forces, arrested five individuals for transporting fuel in plastic bottles towards the border town of Moreh during separate operations across Manipur, police reported on Saturday.
During the first operation, joint forces intercepted four vehicles and seized 25 plastic containers of petroleum products being transported towards Moreh, the last Indian border town in Tengnoupal district.
The drivers of the vehicles were arrested: Tata Magic driven by Elvis Lamkang (23) of New Lamkang Khunthak, Chandel district; Eeco Van driven by Md. Abas Khan (47) of Sangaiyumpham Part-II, Thoubal district; Eeco Van driven by Dangsawa Koshil Pipachum (56) of Nungourok, Chandel district; and Eeco Van driven by Md. Mujibur Rahaman (35) of Sora Makha Leikai, Kakching district.
In a separate operation, law enforcement intercepted a Bolero pick-up truck and arrested its driver, Md. Hashan (51) of Sora Maning Leikai, Irengband, Kakching district, who was illegally transporting 11 containers of petroleum products towards Moreh.
The state authorities have banned the sale of petrol and diesel in loose containers, including jerrycans and plastic bottles, to curb hoarding, black marketing, and panic buying.
Reports added that the arrested persons have been booked under Section 3 of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955.