UP STF Busts Inter-State Gang Adulterating Petrol & Diesel

Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) has dismantled an inter-state gang accused of adulterating petrol and diesel with ethanol and solvent chemicals. Acting on a tip-off, STF teams, along with the Excise Department, raided a site near Lodhamau village on Sitapur Road, Lucknow, seizing large quantities of adulterated fuel, chemicals, tankers, and equipment. Five suspects were arrested, while the gang leaders remain absconding.

Investigations revealed that the group siphoned fuel from tankers, mixed it with solvents purchased at ₹30 per litre, and resold the adulterated product at `75–80 per litre in Lucknow and neighbouring districts. The network had been active for a long period and operated in a highly organised manner.

The arrested individuals were identified as Ramu Yadav, Sukhbir Kumar, and Rinku Singh from Lucknow, Sujit Kumar from Lakhimpur Kheri, and Mohammad Deenu from Barabanki. Police said the gang leaders, identified as Hardi and Dhirendra Awasthi, managed the supply chain. Rinku Singh admitted to having been jailed in July 2024 for a similar offence.

Recovered items include 9 drums of solvent-ethanol, 3 drums of petrol, one drum of mixed fuel, a tanker containing 15,000 litres of petrol and 5,000 litres of diesel, two pickup vehicles, a van, filler machines, pipes, a generator, mobile phones, ATM cards, fuel invoices, and `4,770 in cash.

Authorities warn that such adulterated fuel shortens engine lifespan and causes premature vehicle damage.

The accused face charges under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Excise Act.