Probe on to unearth police-oil mafia nexus

Hyderabad: Commissioner of Rachakonda, Mahesh M. Bhagwat, has ordered an enquiry against the Medipally police following complaints of inaction against the ‘oil mafia’ operating in the area.

Eighteen persons were injured when two fuel tankers caught fire. Two persons, Raju Kulal, 37 and Jagadeep Kulal, 34, were pilfering fuel with help of some others.

Locals alleged that despite complaints about the illegal practice in the neighbourhood, the police had failed to initiate action. “An enquiry has been ordered against the Medipally police (K Jagannath Reddy). Action will be initiated based on the outcome of the report,” said joint commissioner of police, Tarun Joshi.

Meanwhile, the police arrested Raju and Jagadeep, owners of a ‘welding shop-cum-garage’ where the oil was being pilfered. “On an average, about 100 litres of fuel was stolen from tankers daily with the connivance of contractors, tanker owners and drivers,” Mr Joshi said.

Efforts are being made to track three others Khadeer, Sharfuddin, Nayeem, as also some other drivers who were absconding. “The accused removed the locks on the tankers and took out fuel before welding it again,” said Mr. Joshi.

During investigations, police came to know that Raju and Jagadeep were involved the illegal business for the last many years. They had a lot of “ill-gotten money” and bought 13 tankers to ferry fuel. The accused had also bought a few properties on the city outskirts.

There are two more cases registered against the duo at Medipally and Ghatkesar police stations. Police seized Rs 7.49 lakh cash, 10 tankers, two cars and two motorcycles from them.