No FIR yet in Attingal LPG haul; report submitted to collector, action awaits nod

Thiruvananthapuram: Days after more than 600 illegally stored LPG cylinders were seized near Attingal, no FIR was registered and no arrests were made so far, with officials stating that further legal action will depend on directions from the district collector.According to civil supplies officials, a detailed report on the seizure was submitted to the collector, and a case will be registered only after receiving further instructions. The cylinders, including domestic, commercial and ‘Chotu' variants, were found to belong to Indian Oil Corporation and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd. Officials suspect large-scale diversion and illegal distribution of LPG in the region. Significantly, a portion of the seized cylinders, branded as ‘Super Gas', were allegedly stored at an establishment identified as Vinod Gas Agency and sold at inflated prices, indicating a possible black-market operation. "The stock includes both filled and empty cylinders, suggesting illegal refilling and unauthorised distribution. The supply chain and end users are being traced," said Muhammed Shafiq, special officer in charge of Kerala LPG War Room. The seized cylinders were shifted to an AMC godown, where stock verification and ownership checks are under way. Officials said the findings of this process will be crucial in determining the next course of legal action. In parallel enforcement drives, five domestic cylinders were seized from two hotels for illegal storage, while 50 commercial cylinders transported without valid documents were taken into custody during a late-night inspection on April 10. The inspection was conducted by the special squad under the supply office based on confidential information. Authorities indicated that stringent action, including possible registration of cases and arrests, will follow based on the collector's direction and the outcome of the ongoing investigation.