Two detained under Blackmarketing Act in LPG diversion case

Madurai: Two people have been detained under the Prevention of Blackmarketing and Maintenance of Supplies of Essential Commodities Act for illegally possessing subsidised domestic and commercial LPG cylinders in Madurai.Sources in the Civil Supplies Criminal Investigation Department (CS-CID) said this was the first instance in the state where the stringent law was invoked against LPG diversion offenders. Acting on a tip-off, a special CS-CID team conducted raids on Feb 11 near Kovilpappakudi and Adhalai in Madurai district and seized 398 LPG cylinders — including 163 subsidised domestic cylinders and 235 commercial cylinders — allegedly meant for sale in the black market. The accused, Palani, 46, and Madhankumar, 27, were initially arrested and booked under the Essential Commodities Act. Based on the recommendation of CS-CID superintendent of police R Srinivasa Perumal, Madurai district collector K J Praveen Kumar on Thursday ordered their detention under the Blackmarketing Act. Officials said Palani was found in possession of 109 commercial and 100 domestic cylinders, while Madhankumar had 126 commercial and 63 domestic cylinders, taking the total seizure to 398. According to investigators, the cylinders were intended to be sold at higher prices to roadside eateries. Sources said the accused were repeat offenders. Palani had been arrested for a similar offence in 2023, while Madhankumar was arrested in January this year and released on bail within a month before allegedly committing the same offence again. "Both committed repeated offences, which is why we recommended their detention under the Act," a CS-CID source said. Officials also warned that strict action would be taken against those found illegally possessing or diverting subsidised LPG cylinders. MSID:: 129518500 413 |