Global geopolitical strains from Iran-Israel-US conflicts have put India’s LPG supply under scrutiny, and Bihar’s Madhubani district just witnessed a startling revelation. Police raided a bicycle repair outlet in Tamuriya village under Lakhnaur station limits, confiscating a huge cache of LPG cylinders suspected of fueling black market sales.
The operation uncovered scores of commercial cylinders alongside nearly two dozen domestic ones from Hindustan Petroleum. Authorities believe the shop served as a front for storing and distributing gas illegally, preying on shortage anxieties.
One suspect, Lakshman Mahto from the village, has been taken into custody. Jhanjharpur DSP Subodh Kumar Sinha revealed the cylinders’ branding and voiced suspicions of complicity by nearby gas agencies, with ongoing probes set to expose all links.
As Bihar braces for possible gas scarcity, this incident underscores vulnerabilities in the distribution chain. Full revelations are awaited post-investigation.
Adding fuel to the fire, RJD legislator Bhai Virendra from Maneer condemned the state administration during a speech at a teacher’s first death anniversary event in Rohtas’ Akhtiyarpur. He branded the current LPG crunch as manufactured, reminiscent of demonetization-era hardships where queues tormented the masses but enriched hoarders.
The MLA claimed orchestrated hoarding and smuggling are denying gas to the public while select beneficiaries reap windfalls. Dismissing natural shortage explanations, Virendra pointed to deliberate sabotage benefiting vested interests, urging swift governmental intervention to restore normalcy.