Sancoale operation busts LPG scam, over 1,000 gas cylinders seized
A major LPG racket involving underweight and illegally handled cylinders was unearthed in Sancoale during a surprise late-night raid by the Directorate of Civil Supplies. Over 1,000 domestic and commercial gas cylinders were seized from multiple vehicles linked to a local distributor. Authorities said several cylinders were found either unsealed or significantly underweight, violating safety and supply regulations. The operation highlights serious public safety concerns and the urgent need for regulatory enforcement in Goa’s cooking gas distribution network.
The raid, carried out at an open space in Sancoale’s Peacock Valley, led to the seizure of 1,023 LPG cylinders across seven vehicles—six branded with Kadesh Gas Services and one unmarked. Of these, 508 were sealed while the remaining 515 were unsealed, raising immediate red flags. Officials weighed 283 of the seized cylinders and discovered that 132 domestic and 18 commercial units were under the prescribed weight. This contravention falls under the Essential Commodities Act, which prohibits supply of cylinders that deviate from standard specifications. The presence of both BPCL and HPCL cylinders in poor condition added to the gravity of the findings. The inspection team also discovered the cylinders were stored and handled without appropriate documentation or authorisation, suggesting a systemic lapse in safety compliance. The unauthorised activity included decanting of LPG in unsafe conditions, posing a severe hazard to both human life and the local environment, officials confirmed.
Authorities have lodged an FIR against Kadesh Gas Services and an unidentified individual at Verna Police Station. The case invokes multiple charges under Sections 288 and 125 read with 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, Section 23 of the Petroleum Act, Section 7(ii) of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, and Section 9B(b) of the Explosives Act, 1884. These charges reflect the serious legal implications of tampering with essential supplies and endangering public safety. The Directorate of Civil Supplies has confirmed that all 508 sealed cylinders have been impounded and that a comprehensive report is being submitted to the South Goa Collector. Additionally, officials noted that illegal decanting and improper storage not only threaten lives but also disrupt the regulated supply of LPG to consumers. The discovery of commercial cylinders with improper sealing and domestic units below weight standards reveals deep-rooted malpractice within parts of the gas distribution system in the region.
The Sancoale LPG bust brings to light the alarming loopholes in the supply and regulation of cooking gas in Goa. The unchecked circulation of underweight and illegally handled cylinders not only defrauds consumers but also puts lives at risk. With an FIR registered and further legal action underway, authorities are expected to intensify inspections across the state. This case underscores the pressing need for stringent monitoring, transparent distributor operations, and robust enforcement of safety laws to prevent recurrence. Ensuring compliance with LPG norms is crucial to maintaining public trust and averting potential disasters linked to unsafe gas handling practices.
