Fuel theft is rampant on the highway A small shop on the side of the Jessore-Jhenaidah highway is openly stealing fuel oil on the highway. A huge oil tanker with registration number Chuadanga-T, 0-0003 is standing in front. At first glance, it may seem that the vehicle may have stopped for a rest. But as soon as we got closer, a horrifying picture was seen. Fuel oil is being poured into buckets from the top of the tanker, and a liquid resembling water is being poured into the buckets from below. Such an adventurous incident of stealing fuel oil in broad daylight on the highway is now going viral on social media.
What was seen in the viral video
Fuel theft is rampant on the highway Recently, a journalist from Kaliganj, Jhenaidah, Arif Mollah, caught this theft on camera. In the video, a man standing on a truck is unloading oil in buckets one after another. A person standing below is taking the buckets and putting them in a nearby shop. Then the most horrifying scene is seen. After unloading the oil, water or some other liquid like water is being poured into the truck of the oil depot to make up for the shortage in the tanker. Fuel theft is rampant on the highway
During interrogation, the person below identified himself as a shopkeeper, but the person above did not say anything. The process of this fuel theft was so well organized that several drums of fuel were removed within a few minutes.
Who is Ali Hossain at the root of the syndicate?
After investigation, it was found that the owner of the shop is Ali Hossain. He has been running this business for a long time by building a temporary house next to the highway in Satmail area of Haibatpur Union of Jessore Sadar. Fuel theft is rampant on the highway It is alleged that this shop of Ali Hossain is basically an ‘oil theft den’. He has formed this fuel oil theft syndicate by colluding with the drivers and assistants of oil tankers plying on the highway. According to locals,
Fuel theft is rampant on the highway Ali Hossain is doing this work fearlessly because the shop is in a deserted area and the administration’s surveillance is low.
The incident witnessed by journalist Arif Mollah
The incident was first brought to light by journalist Arif Mollah. He said that when the vehicles carrying fuel from the Khulna depot go towards Chuadanga or Kushtia, they stop at several places along the way. He said, “On Tuesday afternoon, I received news that fuel was being stolen in the Satmail area. When I went there, I recorded the entire scene on my mobile.
They are not only stealing fuel, but also mixing water in the tanker instead of oil. On the one hand, the government and pump owners are being harmed, while on the other hand, thousands of vehicles are at risk of breaking down due to the use of that adulterated fuel. Fuel theft is rampant on the highway
This festive fuel theft is taking place at several spots on the highway.
Investigations have revealed that fuel thefts regularly occur at at least three to four spots on the highway from Jessore to Kaliganj. After leaving the depot, drivers and assistants stop their vehicles at certain shops. Fuel theft is rampant on the highway They sell a certain amount of fuel there and pocket the money. And to maintain the correct amount of fuel in the tanker, they mix an equal amount of water or toxic chemicals. As a result, when this oil is measured at the pump, the quantity is not less, but the quality is damaged.
Statements from local representatives and administration
Ahmed Ali, UP member of Satmail area, expressed his anger over the activities of this gang. He said, “The shop is in a completely empty field. It is said that ordinary people do not go there. This fuel theft festival is going on because of the greed of drivers and helpers. We want a permanent solution to this.” Fuel theft is rampant on the highway
Meanwhile, Jessore Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Saffat Ara Sayeed has taken the matter very seriously. He said, “I saw the video on social media. Such public theft of fuel oil and mixing of alloy is unacceptable in any way. Strict legal action will be taken after identifying those involved. A thorough investigation is currently underway into the matter.
Adverse effects on engines and public safety
According to automobile experts, mixing water with diesel or petrol can completely destroy the fuel injection system of the engine. Especially modern high-tech engines can suddenly stop on the road due to this adulterated oil, which can cause major road accidents. This fuel theft ring is not only stealing, but also playing with people’s lives. Fuel theft is rampant on the highway
It is the need of the hour to close down such fuel depots built along the highways. Without proper monitoring and regular operations by the administration, this fuel theft syndicate will become stronger. Fuel theft is rampant on the highway Unless those involved in this illegal business like Ali Hossain are given exemplary punishment, it will not be possible to prevent this waste of state resources and damage to engines. Staff Correspondent, MKSS News