The Chhattisgarh Police have identified former District Food Officer Ajay Yadav as the alleged mastermind behind a significant LPG embezzlement case involving Rs 77 lakh. Two individuals, Santosh Singh Thakur, owner of Thakur Petrochemicals, and his son Sarthak Singh Thakur, a company director, were arrested following an extensive investigation that spanned multiple states. This case traces back to December 2025, when Singoda Police seized six LPG-filled trucks due to concerns regarding the safety of storing LPG at the police station.

District authorities decided to relocate the seized trucks to a more secure location after realising the potential dangers posed during the summer season. Investigators assert that the conspiracy initiated on March 19, 2026, prior to the official handover of the vehicles for safekeeping, allowing collusion between officials and private entities to develop a plan for diverting the LPG without adequate oversight.

Additional individuals reportedly played essential roles in the operation. Pankaj Chandrakar is claimed to have acted as a key negotiator, while Manish Choudhary coordinated discussions between the involved parties. Allegations suggest that negotiations began with a substantial demand of Rs 1.3 crore, which was subsequently reduced to Rs 90 lakh after a week of talks.

Process of Diversion and Manipulation of Records

On March 30, 2026, authorities transferred the six LPG capsule trucks to Thakur Petrochemicals in Urla, Raipur, under a court-approved custody arrangement. Allegedly, once the trucks reached the company’s premises, the LPG was removed before any official weighing took place. Investigators claim the accused intentionally emptied the capsules and manipulated the verification protocols to hide the diversion of the fuel.

It was reported that officials undertook the weighing of the trucks between April 6 and April 8, after the LPG had already been extracted. Police allege that the preparation of forged weighment records and fabricated panchanamas occurred to mask the irregularities of the process. Individuals involved in the conspiracy reportedly signed documents at the Food Department office, helping to create an illusion of legality for the operation.

Furthermore, investigators assert that the accused took advantage of a local LPG supply shortage and increased demand by selling the diverted fuel through informal avenues. It is alleged that approximately 20 agencies and institutions received the misappropriated LPG, with transactions conducted using informal invoices and without adhering to GST regulations. Notably, the investigation revealed that while Thakur Petrochemicals purchased only 40 tonnes of LPG in April, they sold about 135 tonnes, raising suspicions regarding the source of the excess quantity.

Ongoing Investigation and Arrests

During the investigation, authorities discovered that LPG valued at approximately Rs 77 lakh was allegedly misappropriated from transporters and stakeholders associated with five of the six trucks involved in the case. Several individuals allegedly implicated in the conspiracy reportedly evaded capture, frequently changing locations, mobile phones, and SIM cards to avoid detection.

To trace the suspects’ movements, police analysed call detail records, financial transactions, social media activities, toll plaza data, and tower dumps across 11 cities. Special teams were dispatched to various locations, including Raipur, Kawardha, Chhuikhadan, Kanha-Kisli, Kolkata, Pune, Mumbai, and Kolhapur. The investigation concluded with the tracking of the father-son duo to a hotel in Kolhapur, Maharashtra, leading to their arrest with the assistance of Maharashtra Police, who later brought the suspects back to Chhattisgarh.

As the investigation unfolds, police have recorded a total of six arrests, including the Thakurs. Previous arrests include former officials from the Food Department and alleged intermediaries linked to the scheme. Authorities maintain that the investigation into Ajay Yadav’s role continues, alongside efforts to trace the financial network connected to those who allegedly purchased the diverted LPG. Additional arrests may occur as new evidence is uncovered.

Long or Short, get news the way you like. No ads. No redirections. Download Newspin and Stay Alert, The CSR Journal Mobile app, for fast, crisp, clean updates!

App Store –  https://apps.apple.com/in/app/newspin/id6746449540 

Google Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inventifweb.newspin&pcampaignid=web_share