A mobile court drive in Syedpur Upazila of Nilphamari District has uncovered a large stockpile of illegally hoarded fuel oil, leading to the seizure of about 4,505 litres of petroleum products and penalties against seven individuals.
The operation was conducted early Saturday in a warehouse located near Rokeya LPG Gas Filling Station along the bypass road. Acting on a tip-off, a team from the upazila administration, with assistance from law enforcement agencies, carried out the drive and recovered a significant quantity of fuel, including petrol, diesel and octane.
Officials said the drive was led by Executive Magistrate and Assistant Commissioner (Land) of Syedpur Upazila Md Sabbir Hossain, who also conducted the mobile court proceedings at around 2am. Following the inspection and verification, seven people were detained for their alleged involvement in illegal storage and distribution of fuel.
Among the recovered items were 3,917 litres of petrol, 338 litres of diesel and 250 litres of octane. The seized fuel was later properly measured and sold at a local filling station, generating Tk4,93,407, which was subsequently deposited into the government treasury.
In the verdict of the mobile court, the owner of the filling station, Rafiqul Islam, was fined Tk2 lakh and sentenced to six months’ imprisonment in default of payment. Additionally, six other individuals involved in the incident were each fined Tk10,000, with a three-day jail term in default.
Authorities said such drives will continue in order to prevent fuel hoarding, curb artificial shortages and ensure stability in the local fuel market. They also warned that strict legal action would be taken against anyone found engaging in similar illegal activities in the future.
