Acting on a tip-off, Kohima Police led by SDPO (South) on August 2, conducted intensive checking to intercept an oil tanker proceeding to Kohima along with a CRPF convoy. According to SDPO (South) & PRO Atu Zumvu NPS, the 12- wheeler oil tanker bearing registration number WB-23-5019 with fully loaded solvent chemical( composition of paint thinner and turpentine) was stopped as it reached Peducha check gate and then taken to Sechü(Z) police station at 11 a.m.
On questioning, the driver of the tanker–Surendra Sahni (49 years) confessed that the chemical (used for adulterating liquor) came from Rudrapur Deoria (UP) on July 11,2016 and reached Khatkhati (Karbi Anglong) on July 18 where the chemical was delivered at a Khatkhati-based liquor factory (distillery). PRO said while awaiting other consignments for the return trip, one “Munna Prasad Kesari” from Dimapur approached Sahni on August 2 afternoon, with offer for transporting the chemical solvent from Khatkhati to Imphal at Rs.2 per litre. After the deal was struck, 20,000 litres of the chemical solvent was loaded after the approval of Mahesh Mahato the tanker owner at Kolkata.
All those travelling in the tanker- owner of the consignment Munna Prasad Kesari(45), driver Surendar Sahani were nabbed. Munna Prasad Sahani confessed that since the past five years, he was working under Ajay Prasad Chetri , the kingpin of fuel adulteration racket recently busted in Dimapur and who was the actual owner of the chemical solvent.
Sahani said the chemical was earlier held up at Srirampur gate since June 2016 owing to the massive public outcry over the fuel adulteration racket in Dimapur. The chemical reached Khatkhati only on July 31, 2016 said Sahani. After engaging the tanker from UP and after preparing fictitious invoice in the name of ESSAR OIL LTD. on Dimapur, the tanker proceeded to Imphal with CRPF convoy till it was intercepted at Peducha.
PRO said a case has been registered under Sechü(Zubza) P.S. and under relevant sections of Petroleum Act against Surender Sahani (driver) and Munna Prasad Kesari (employee of Ajay Prasad Chetri) for further investigation.