CBI prepares to close the tap on petrol adulteration in Mumbai………..Poornima Swaminathan
Mumbai: The anti corruption bureau (ACB) of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is casting its net wider to curb suspected widespread adulteration of petroleum products in Mumbai and the outskirts.
It is also keeping a strict vigil on the diversion of petrol products and is verifying stock to prevent black-marketing of LPG.
According to information gathered by CBI sleuths, the density of petroleum products sold at petrol pumps is lesser than the standard. “We have information that customers are not being given the quantity they should get for the price they are paying,” said a senior CBI official on condition of anonymity.
Still in the process of collecting specific information against suspected culprits, the CBI, prima facie, has learnt about adulteration rackets in Wadala, Sewri, Kurla and Chembur. “We are awaiting specific details,” added the officer.
The CBI is also cultivating an informer network in these belts.
These informers have been told how petroleum products are adulterated, and to look for telltale signs — petroleum products in large quantity, storage tanks, plastic drums and pipes, chemicals such as bleaching powder and suction pumps — which indicate an adulteration racket. The CBI has activated its teams in other parts of the state and is sending officers as decoys to the suspected spots.
The agency has also learnt that kerosene oil meant for the publicdistribution systems (PDS) is being diverted to the open market at many places, with the culprits reaping huge benefits.
“Not only are the customers being cheated, adulterated petrol and diesel also causes heavy damage to vehicles through early wear and tear. It is also dangerous and poses a serious safety hazard,” added the officer.
The CBI, if needed, may also rope in other agencies to crack down on the racket.