Hyderabad Police Commissioner Recognizes Citizens Who Uncovered LPG Refilling Scam

Hyderabad Police Commissioner V.C. Sajjanar has recognized a father-and-son duo for their role in exposing an illegal gas cylinder fraud and unlicensed LPG refilling operation in the city. The pair received certificates of appreciation and monetary awards at an event held on Saturday at the TGICCC in Banjara Hills.

Businessman Ashok Tiwari and his 16-year-old son Naman Tiwari from Chudi Bazaar became suspicious after noticing discrepancies in their gas deliveries. When a cylinder was delivered on April 21, Naman observed that its weight fell short of expectations. The family's investigation revealed the cylinder weighed only 28 kilograms instead of the standard 30.4 kilograms. They also noted that their cooking gas had been depleting at an unusually rapid rate in recent weeks.

Upon questioning staff at Siddhartha Enterprises agency about the shortfall, the Tiwaris encountered resistance. Undeterred, they pursued their inquiry further and uncovered evidence that agency workers were allegedly siphoning gas from domestic cylinders into smaller containers and commercial units at a residence in Jummerath Bazar.

The family lodged a formal complaint at Goshamahal Police Station regarding the illicit refilling operations being conducted in densely populated residential zones in violation of safety protocols. Police subsequently registered a case against Siddhartha Enterprises and five individuals: Sai Kumar, Vineeth Kumar, Poosa Ganesh, Praveen Kumar, and Amit Kumar. All five were arrested in connection with the allegations of consumer fraud and hazardous refilling practices.

The operation resulted in the seizure of two commercial cylinders, seven domestic cylinders, twelve smaller cylinders, and various refilling apparatus.

During the recognition ceremony, Sajjanar commended the Tiwaris for functioning as "policemen without uniforms" through their vigilance and determination to expose wrongdoing. He emphasized that consumers have a responsibility to verify the quality and quantity of products they receive and should report suspicious activity to Dial 100 or nearby police stations without delay.

The Police Commissioner also reiterated that law enforcement would maintain an aggressive stance against unlicensed gas refilling operations throughout Hyderabad.