Fuel Theft Operation Busted: Two Arrested in Delhi for 30-Year Pipeline Siphoning Scheme Across Multiple States

Police reported that the suspects sold the stolen diesel and petrol to commercial drivers (Representational)

New Delhi:

Delhi Police have apprehended two individuals in West Delhi's Vikaspuri who were wanted for fuel theft from petroleum pipelines across Rajasthan and multiple other states, officials announced on Thursday.

The suspects, identified as 55-year-old Swarn Singh and his 50-year-old brother-in-law Dharmender (also known as Rinku), each carried a reward of Rs 25,000 on their heads and had been declared proclaimed offenders in numerous cases throughout Haryana and Punjab, according to Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Harsh Indora.

Swarn Singh faces charges in 19 different cases, with his criminal record dating back to 1992 when he was first implicated in a theft at Delhi airport, the official stated.

Investigators revealed that Singh allegedly rented properties located near underground petroleum pipelines, then diverted fuel by excavating concealed tunnels and installing improvised valve systems.

Previously employed as a fuel tanker driver, Swarn Singh expanded his illegal operations to cover Jaipur, Gurugram, Bathinda, Kurukshetra, and certain areas of Delhi.

Rinku, also a professional driver, allegedly supported Swarn Singh by conducting reconnaissance, diverting fuel, and managing the transportation and distribution of the stolen petroleum products.

The arrests occurred following intelligence about their movement near Vikaspuri on December 3, the police officer reported.

"Both suspects had been evading authorities in connection with a case registered in Jaipur earlier this year for tapping into the HPCL MDPL pipeline by tunneling from a rented house and siphoning diesel into a pickup vehicle," DCP Indora explained.

According to police, the stolen diesel and petrol were sold to commercial drivers, while the air turbine fuel was utilized as a substitute for kerosene.

Following the discovery of an elaborate illegal valve system connected to the underground pipeline, authorities registered a case in Rajasthan this year under the relevant sections of the BNS, the Petroleum and Minerals Pipelines Act, and the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act.