Minister unearths kerosene racket in Mangalore

 It was also unearthed during the raid that the blue kerosene, supplied by the government at subsidised rate (Rs 9.10) only through ration shops, was being decoloured at the workshop for adulteration with petrol and for sale in black market.

Halappa, who had reached Mangalore to attend a programme at Belthangadi, conducted raid along with Food and Civil Supplies Department officials and police at the Plot Number 134/G, Ken-Win Industries at around 11.30 am, based on a tip off from a citizen.

Those who were working inside the workshop managed to flee from the spot when the Minister’s team reached the spot. A pumpset and several plastic barrels of 200 litre capacity were found inside the workshop. The trucks were all parked on the nearby road. One tanker was carrying 7,000 litres of kerosene while another had 4,000 litres of kerosene in it. A total of 12,000 litres of diesel of Bharath Petroleum make was found in yet another tanker, while 4 tankers were empty.

Speaking to media persons, Halappa said that the officials were directed to seize the trucks, other equipment and book cases. He said that it is unlawful to store blue kerosene or diesel at unauthorised places. Each trucks carrying blue kerosene or diesel were given specific routes and the drivers are not supposed to travel on any other routes, he said and added that decolouring blue kerosene is also an offense. Minister also assured that stringent action would be taken against persons involved in the case.

The Minister was accompanied with Food and Civil Supplies Department In-Charge Deputy Director Ratnakar Naik.

Panambur police also seized some equipment. Police said that the workshop belongs to one Sudheer Shetty. Police had conducted a raid on the same workshop and booked a case in 2007 too.