ABP News impact: Seven FIRs registered, 23 arrested in connection with petrol theft

Uttar Pradesh:  Seven FIRs were registered and 23 people arrested on Friday in connection with petrol pumps allegedly using remote-controlled electronic chip in fuel dispensing machines to dupe unsuspecting consumers. Seven petrol pumps have also been sealed. After ABP News reported about fuel theft at pumps, Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan promised strict action against those found guilty of fuel theft. In a series of tweets, Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said his ministry will take strict action against those found guilty of short delivery and tampering with the dispensing units.

Congratulations to UP STF for unearthing the racket involved in short delivery of fuel at Petrol Pumps. Appreciate the good work of @UPGovt

— Dharmendra Pradhan (@dpradhanbjp) April 28, 2017

Petroleum Ministry & OMCs will take strict action against those found guilty of short delivery & tampering with the dispensing units. — Dharmendra Pradhan (@dpradhanbjp) April 28, 2017

Look forward to work closely & receive similar cooperation from all State Govts in future to protect the rights & interests of consumers.

— Dharmendra Pradhan (@dpradhanbjp) April 28, 2017

Tightening the noose around petrol pump owners in Uttar Pradesh, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday made the STF conduct raids at over a dozen petrol pumps to check the petrol theft. On raiding at least 7 petrol pumps were such where petrol theft was taking place. These petrol pumps, all of them situated in Lucknow were selling less amount of petrol for the same amount of money. On reaching a petrol pump which was just opposite to the George King Medical College in Lucknow, it was found that the petrol pump was stealing 50 ml of fuel, per every 1 litre; that is giving away 50 ml less from every 1 litre they were selling to the customer. ABP News image On further investigation it was found that a chip board like device was placed inside the petrol dispensing machine, which did the job. After spilling the beans, the STF team arrested several petrol pump workers and owners. This was first time such raids are conducted in Lucknow. The action has certainly sent across a strong message to other petrol pump owners as well who are indulging in such illegal activities to fool customers.