Bathinda, May 2: Authorities have booked the owner and driver of a Sangat Mandi gas agency following allegations of late-night black marketing of LPG cylinders. The action by the Sangat police follows a public outcry and the seizure of two vehicles containing a total of 48 filled and five empty cylinders on Friday night.
The incident unfolded at approximately 9 p.m. when local residents intercepted a Mahindra Bolero belonging to the Indane Gas Service Agency. Residents stated that the vehicle was allegedly attempting to supply cylinders to a shopkeeper without proper documentation or delivery slips. Upon being questioned by the public, agency employees reportedly fled the scene, prompting a large-scale protest by shopkeepers and locals against the agency and district administration.
Inspector Sukhwinder Singh Brar, head of Sangat police station, confirmed that 46 filled cylinders were recovered from the agency vehicle, while two additional filled cylinders were seized from a nearby private Alto car. “A case has been registered against the agency owner, Anju Bala Chaudhary, and the driver, Nirmal Singh, under Section 7 of the Essential Commodities Act and Section 61(2) of the BNS 2023,” Brar stated.
The situation remained tense for several hours as protesters blocked the local bus stand, demanding strict action. The demonstration intensified after reports surfaced of a dismissive response from a company sales official regarding the missing cylinders. Naresh Kumar Goyal, Chairman of the Aam Aadmi Party Bathinda Rural Trade Wing, maintained that the official’s behavior was unacceptable and affirmed plans to pursue a defamation case.
Food and Supply Department Block Officer Gurtej Singh told the protesters that an inspection of the agency’s records revealed major discrepancies. He affirmed that a detailed report has been forwarded to higher officials for further administrative action. The protest was eventually called off and shops were reopened after police assured the community that the investigation would be conducted impartially.
