A joint operation by Thane Crime Branch Unit-1 and the Food Distribution Department uncovered an alleged diesel smuggling operation near Kharegaon Toll Plaza. Authorities seized approximately 25,000 litres of suspected diesel-like combustible liquid and a tanker collectively valued at ₹46.5 lakh. Investigators suspect the fuel may have originated from boats operating near the Virar Creek coastline before transportation toward Nashik. Police arrested Dharmendrakumar Shyamlal Patel while expanding the probe into an alleged interstate fuel transportation network.

Thane Diesel Smuggling Case: Crime Branch Seizes Tanker, Investigation Expands Towards Alleged Interstate Fuel Network

A joint operation by the Thane Crime Branch and the Food Distribution Department has uncovered an alleged diesel smuggling racket operating under the guise of edible oil transportation, leading to seizures worth ₹46.5 lakh.

A major enforcement operation near Kharegaon Toll Plaza on the Mumbai-Nashik Highway has led to the seizure of a tanker allegedly transporting diesel-like combustible material under the label of edible oil. The action was carried out jointly by Thane City Crime Branch Unit-1 and the Food Distribution Department.

According to officials, the operation was initiated following specific intelligence inputs received by Crime Branch Unit-1 regarding suspicious fuel transportation activities. A trap was laid near the Mumbra diversion road before Kharegaon Toll Plaza, where a Tata tanker bearing registration number MH-46-BB-7134 was intercepted and searched.

Investigators stated that the tanker displayed markings indicating it was carrying edible oil. However, upon inspection, authorities allegedly discovered a large quantity of combustible petroleum-like liquid. Officials further stated that the driver failed to produce any valid transport licence, purchase invoice, or documentation authorising transportation of the material.

Recognising the seriousness of the matter, officials from the office of the Deputy Controller, Food Distribution Department, Thane, were called to the location. Food Distribution Officer Subhash Ramnath Dumbre and his team subsequently joined the inspection process and assisted in the seizure operation.

Authorities reported that approximately 25,000 litres of suspected diesel-like petroleum product valued at around ₹24.50 lakh was recovered from five compartments of the tanker. The vehicle itself, valued at approximately ₹22 lakh, was also seized, taking the total value of the confiscated property to around ₹46.50 lakh.

Accused Named as Probe Examines Alleged Fuel Transportation Network

According to preliminary findings, investigators suspect that the fuel was allegedly transported from boats operating near the Virar Creek coastline before being loaded into the tanker for onward movement towards Nashik. Officials have stated that the allegations remain under investigation.

Police arrested tanker driver Dharmendrakumar Shyamlal Patel, aged 37, a resident of Vashi, Navi Mumbai. Authorities allege that hazardous petroleum material was being transported in a standard tanker without complying with mandatory safety norms, potentially posing risks to public safety.

A case has been registered at Kalwa Police Station against eight individuals under provisions of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, the Motor Spirit and High Speed Diesel Order, 2005, and the Biodiesel Policy, 2021.

Those named in the case include tanker owner Ritesh Abhay Narayan Singh of Diva, Thane, along with Roshan Shirodkar, Nitin Koli, Deepak Pawar, Sagar Patil, Anil Surat, and Rajkishor Das alias Raju Pandit. Police Inspector Ashok Raoji Utekar is conducting the further investigation.

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Rajkishor Das Alias Raju Pandit Under Investigative Spotlight

The investigation has also brought renewed attention to Rajkishor Das Pandit alias Raju Pandit, originally from Odisha and currently residing in Ghodapdeo, Mumbai. Investigators allege that he is linked to a larger network involved in illegal diesel transportation activities across parts of Mumbai and Raigad district.

Police sources claim that Rajkishor Das Pandit has faced previous criminal proceedings, including cases registered by the Mumbai Crime Branch and Yellow Gate Police Station. Authorities have also referred to earlier cases registered at Revdanda Police Station, Pen-Dadri Police Station and Pen Police Station in Raigad district.

However, it is important to note that the present allegations are subject to investigation, and no court has adjudicated the latest claims. Any determination of guilt can only be made through the judicial process.

Meanwhile, a complaint has reportedly been submitted to the Maharashtra Director General of Police seeking a broader inquiry into the financial activities, assets, business interests and alleged associates connected to the suspected network.

Administration Assures Adequate Fuel Supply

Following the operation, Thane Collector Dr. Shrikrishna Panchal and District Supply Officer Sarjerao Maske-Patil appealed to citizens not to believe rumours regarding fuel shortages. Officials stated that adequate stocks of diesel and related fuels remain available throughout the district.

Authorities have reiterated that strict legal action will be taken against individuals found to be involved in the illegal transportation, storage, or distribution of petroleum products. The outcome of the ongoing investigation is expected to determine whether the alleged network extends beyond the individuals currently named in the case.

Readers’ Appeal

If you have information, documents, photographs or videos related to illegal fuel transportation, diesel smuggling or petroleum adulteration activities, contact Unmesh Gujarathi, Senior Investigative Journalist, and the Sprouts News Investigation Team on 9322755098.

Editorial Note:

This article is based on publicly available FIR records, court case references, and reports published by multiple media organisations. The information is presented in the context of ongoing investigations and public interest reporting. Sprouts News does not make any judicial determination regarding the individuals mentioned and does not intend to defame any person or organisation. Any individual seeking clarification or wishing to provide an official response may contact the editorial team with verifiable documentation. The information is presented for journalistic and informational purposes.