In a joint operation, the food cell police and district supply officials unearthed a diesel bunk operating without valid licence near Alanganallur in the district and seized over 10,000 litres of kerosene and three lorry tankers on Sunday.
Following complaints of adulteration and smuggling of essential commodities meant for public distribution system at ration shops, District Collector C. Kamaraj had formed special teams to prevent such operations.
During random checks, the police and the supply officials had a tip-off that kerosene was not only sold at a premium price in and around Alanganallur, Kumaram and other hamlets, but they were also adulterated with some cheap fuel. Many youths were selling the adulterated fuel in jerry cans to roadside vendors among others from the illegal trader claiming it as genuine kerosene or petrol, it has come to light, a senior police officer said.
When they barged into the premises, some workers' engaged in adulteration fled from the scene.
However, the police arrested the proprietor of the bunk identified as Ganesan. Investigations revealed that diesel and other petroleum products were sold at the bunk, for which licence issued by authorities concerned had expired two years back.
Based on the confessions, the police seized 12,000 litres of kerosene, three lorry tankers meant for transporting the adulterated fuel to different locations in and around the district and some neighbouring pockets, Food Cell DSP Karthikeyan and District Supply Officer S. Murugiah said on Sunday.
Mr. Kamaraj told The Hindu that habitual offenders who indulged in such illegal activities would be detained under the Goondas Act.
He appealed to the public to inform the authorities concerned and assured swift action.
