Jaipur: The Jaipur district administration has launched a sweeping crackdown on illegal gas refilling activities operating within residential areas, resulting in the seizure of hundreds of commercial cylinders and multiple arrests. The enforcement action, carried out under the ongoing “Operation Enforcement” directive, follows concerns over significant safety threats posed by unauthorized handling and storage of LPG in crowded neighborhoods.
Acting on orders issued by District Collector Dr. Jitendra Kumar Soni, a special vigilance team from the Jaipur-I District Supply Office mobilized late Thursday night to conduct raids across multiple high-density zones in the city. The operation was led by District Supply Officer Priyavrat Singh Charan, who supervised search efforts at Sukhdevpura Nataniwala, 12 Mile, Shriram Ki Nangal, and Sanganer.
Officials reported that around 740 commercial LPG cylinders were discovered during the raids, many of them stacked in open spaces near houses, parked vehicles, and other vulnerable areas. Authorities emphasized that these conditions significantly raised the risk of fire outbreaks and major accidents, particularly with cylinders stored haphazardly in places heavily frequented by residents.
The enforcement team also uncovered equipment linked to illicit refilling operations. Among the items seized were two electronic weighing machines, five gas burners, five large containers, a set of gas transfer pipes, and multiple regulators. A substantial number of new and used seals and caps were also found, indicating attempts to disguise the illegal nature of the operation by making cylinders appear unused or officially processed.
Many of these materials were concealed beneath heaps of cattle fodder in an apparent effort to avoid detection. Additionally, enforcement personnel seized one disused vehicle and an unregistered pickup truck believed to be used for transporting cylinders around the city without authorization.
Police detained three individuals at the spot, who were questioned regarding the scale and supply chain of their operations. During the interrogation, the accused alleged that the cylinders recovered during the raids belonged to two local gas distributors — Anika Gas Agency in Muhana and Brilliant Gas Agency in Bagru. Unauthorized receipt books suspected to be used for illegal transactions were also recovered.
Given these revelations, district authorities swiftly set up two inquiry committees to investigate the potential involvement of the agencies named. Both teams have been instructed to complete their review and submit a detailed report within the next 48 hours, ensuring accountability for any commercial entities found to be aiding or benefiting from the illegal trade.
Strict legal action has already been initiated under the provisions of the Liquefied Petroleum Gas (Regulation of Supply and Distribution) Order, 2000. Charges under Section 3/7 of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, have also been invoked against the accused. A mobile phone recovered at the scene has been taken into custody for digital examination to trace communication records and identify additional accomplices.
Officials said that illegal refilling units often operate by diverting commercial LPG cylinders intended for industrial or institutional use into residential markets for quick profit. Not only does this evade taxation and regulatory compliance, but it also creates significant danger due to improper storage and handling practices.
The Jaipur district administration reiterated its zero-tolerance approach toward such activities, stressing that continued enforcement operations will be carried out to dismantle unlawful networks placing the public at risk. Authorities have urged citizens to report suspicious storage or refilling of cylinders near their homes to prevent hazardous situations.
With the latest action yielding one of the largest seizures in recent months, officials say the focus remains firmly on ensuring public safety and curbing unauthorized LPG distribution within the city.
