Authorities in Belkuchi upazila of Sirajganj district have seized a substantial stockpile of illegally stored diesel and handed down a custodial sentence to a local trader following a mobile court operation conducted on Tuesday (21 April) at Shernagar Bazaar.
According to officials, a total of 1,744 litres of diesel, which had been hoarded without authorisation, was confiscated from a commercial establishment owned by a trader identified as Robiul Islam. The operation was carried out in response to intelligence suggesting irregular fuel storage and potential market manipulation amid fluctuating fuel demand in the region.
During the drive, the mobile court discovered multiple containers filled with diesel stored in violation of regulatory provisions governing the distribution and storage of petroleum products. Authorities acted promptly to prevent possible diversion or illegal resale of the fuel in the local market.
Following the seizure, the confiscated diesel was sold through an authorised dealer, and the proceeds were deposited into the government treasury in accordance with legal procedures. Officials emphasised that such measures are intended to ensure transparency and prevent economic exploitation linked to essential commodities.
Belkuchi Police Station Officer-in-Charge Imam Jafar confirmed the incident, stating that the operation was conducted jointly by law enforcement and the executive magistracy. He noted that the trader was found guilty of unlawful fuel storage practices.
Subsequently, Robiul Islam was sentenced to three days’ imprisonment by the mobile court and sent to jail custody. The verdict was delivered on the spot by Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Afreen Jahan, who presided over the mobile court proceedings.
Authorities have reiterated that strict action will continue against individuals or businesses involved in the illegal hoarding of fuel or other essential commodities, particularly those that may disrupt market stability or create artificial scarcity.
Case Summary
| Category |
Details |
| Location |
Shernagar Bazaar, Belkuchi |
| District |
Sirajganj |
| Seized Fuel |
1,744 litres of diesel |
| Nature of Offence |
Illegal storage of fuel |
| Accused |
Robiul Islam (trader) |
| Legal Action |
Mobile court operation |
| Sentence |
3 days’ imprisonment |
| Presiding Magistrate |
Upazila Nirbahi Officer |
| Disposal of Seizure |
Sold via authorised dealer; proceeds deposited to state treasury |
Officials added that monitoring of fuel distribution channels in the region will be further strengthened to prevent similar incidents in the future.
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