55 LPG cylinders recovered from political leader’s house amid gas crisis
Babushahi Bureau
Hapur (Uttar Pradesh): Authorities in Hapur district of Uttar Pradesh have seized 55 LPG cylinders from the residence of a local political leader, exposing an alleged hoarding racket at a time when many citizens are struggling to obtain cooking gas.
According to officials, the district administration conducted a raid at the house of Abdul Rehan after receiving complaints about illegal storage and black marketing of LPG cylinders. During the operation, authorities recovered 55 filled cylinders that were reportedly stored inside the house and nearby storage areas.
The action came amid growing public complaints about the shortage of LPG cylinders and rising prices. Residents in the area claimed they have been waiting 20 to 25 days to get a cylinder, while some suppliers were allegedly selling them at inflated prices.
Police confirmed that a case has been registered against the accused under the Essential Commodities Act. Station House Officer Neeraj Kumar of the Hapur Dehat Police Station said the accused was granted bail at the police station as the offence carries a punishment of less than seven years.
Officials said further investigation is underway to determine how such a large number of cylinders were accumulated and whether any gas agencies or larger networks are involved in the alleged black marketing.
Meanwhile, the administration has begun examining records of local gas agencies to trace the supply chain. The incident has also prompted authorities to intensify monitoring in the area.
The government of Uttar Pradesh has earlier directed strict action against hoarding and black marketing of essential commodities. Officials said surveillance has now been tightened to ensure fair distribution of LPG cylinders and to prevent further misuse during the ongoing supply concerns.