When last year’s major fire at a petrol and diesel gowdown near the Government Junior College is still fresh in the minds of people here, the residents fear that the illegal practice may cause similar accident.

Petrol and diesel are being sold illegally at Dibburahalli and other surrounding villages in the taluk. But the taluk administration, police and food and civil supplies department officials seem to have turned a blind eye to it.

Residents allege that such practice is on near the Indian Oil petrol pump station. Besides, fuel has been stored illegally near the station, the residents alleged.

“Some kind of chemical powder is mixed to a white kerosene and the same is being sold as petrol. Petrol bunk at Dibburahalli is always locked up. Since we cannot find many stations in the taluk, we have to pay more to buy petrol from them,”  said a driver. “The condition of vehicles is very poor as we use adulterated fuel,” he added.

The authorities concerned must look into the complaint and initiate strict action against those responsible for it, urge the residents here.