Three Detained in Diesel Smuggling Bust

Local residents and law enforcement in Netrokona’s Purbadhala upazila have intercepted an attempted large-scale diesel smuggling operation, seizing 1,050 litres of fuel and detaining three individuals in the early hours of Thursday.

The incident took place around 6:00 a.m. in the Atkapara area, situated along the Shyamganj–Durgapur road, where a covert fuel transfer operation was allegedly underway from the Giripath Filling Station. Acting on suspicion and growing local concerns, residents halted two vehicles—a covered van and a pickup truck—believed to be transporting illegally diverted diesel towards Mymensingh.

According to eyewitness accounts, the covered van was loaded with five drums containing approximately 1,000 litres of diesel, while the pickup truck carried an additional 50 litres. The operation reportedly raised alarm among locals due to repeated instances of similar nighttime fuel movements in the area.

A local resident, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated that illicit fuel transfers have allegedly been occurring on a near-daily basis under the cover of darkness. The resident added that villagers became suspicious when they observed unusual early-morning movement of fuel-laden vehicles and decided to intervene before alerting authorities.

The detained individuals have been identified as Choton Mia (35), Shamim Ahmed (40), and Mofizul Islam (35). Following the intervention by locals, the suspects and the seized fuel were handed over to the police. Officers from Purbadhala Police Station subsequently arrived at the scene and confirmed the recovery of 1,050 litres of diesel from the covered van.

Later, Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Tasnim Jahan conducted a mobile court operation at the site. Acting under Section 20 of the Petroleum Act, 2016, the filling station manager, identified as Hasan, was fined Tk 10,000 for his involvement in the illegal fuel diversion. The court further ordered that failure to pay the fine would result in a 15-day simple imprisonment sentence.

Authorities have indicated that further investigation is underway to determine whether a wider syndicate is involved in the recurring fuel smuggling activities in the region.

Summary of the Incident

The incident has heightened local concerns over repeated fuel diversion activities in the region, prompting calls for stricter monitoring of fuel distribution points.