In a major crackdown on black marketing of essential commodities, the Commissioner’s Task Force in Hyderabad, along with Banjara Hills police, arrested 10 persons for illegally stocking and selling LPG cylinders at inflated prices, officials said.

The arrests were made following a raid conducted near a graveyard at Nagarjuna X Road in Banjara Hills on Sunday, based on specific intelligence inputs.

Raid Uncovers Illegal LPG Stock

Police said the accused were caught red-handed while allegedly dumping LPG cylinders at the location and selling them at higher-than-authorised rates.

During the operation, officials seized 414 LPG cylinders of various capacities, including both commercial and domestic units. The total value of the seized property is estimated at around Rs 21.88 lakh.

Authorities also confiscated multiple vehicles used for transportation, including DCM vans, Bolero, Tata Ace, Tata Intra and several auto-rickshaws.

Prime Accused Identified

According to police, the main आरोपी has been identified as Mohd Aamir, who was allegedly operating a gas agency under the name “Metro Gas Agency”.

Investigations revealed that he was not adhering to prescribed safety and storage norms and was instead stocking cylinders in an open area for illegal sale to maximise profits.

Officials said the accused were exploiting high demand for LPG by diverting supplies and selling them in the black market with the help of delivery personnel, drivers and labourers.

Police Warn Of Strict Action

The operation was carried out under the supervision of Jubilee Hills Zone Inspector Ch Yadendar and Sub-Inspector D Ravi Raj, in coordination with Banjara Hills police.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Task Force) Sri Gaikwad Vaibhav Raghunath, IPS, said strict action would be taken against those involved in illegal sale and black marketing of essential commodities.

Further investigation is underway to identify the full extent of the network and any additional individuals involved in the racket.