Lucknow: The Special Task Force (STF) of Uttar Pradesh has achieved a major breakthrough in cracking down on illegal chemical trafficking. Acting on a tip-off, the STF apprehended two members of an inter-state smuggling syndicate and seized approximately 40,000 litres of a toxic solvent containing methyl alcohol. The estimated value of the seized substance is around ₹15 crore.
Accused Identified
The arrested individuals have been identified as:
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Agrej Singh, son of Gandharv Singh, resident of Jugnat, Jigrayal Police Station, Gurdaspur District, Punjab.
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Gaurav Gupta, son of the late Vishnu Narayan Gupta, resident of Sapna Colony, Rajajipuram, under Talkatora Police Station, Lucknow District.
A third accused, Anand Singh, son of Arun Kumar Singh and a resident of Gijlipur Wangabara Sangramgarh in Pratapgarh, is currently absconding. Authorities have launched efforts to apprehend him.
Seized Items:
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40,000 litres of mix solvent (containing methyl alcohol)
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A tanker (Registration No: MH43BP8831)
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One Aadhaar card
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One ATM card
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One driving licence
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₹1,460 in cash
STF Operation
The STF received intelligence that a tanker loaded with illegal methyl alcohol was en route from Karnataka to Lucknow, expected to arrive near Sanjeevani Hospital Road. Acting swiftly, a team led by Inspector Santosh Kumar Singh, in collaboration with the Excise Department, set up a strategic checkpoint.
Upon intercepting the vehicle, a strong smell of alcohol raised suspicion. The contents, labelled as a mix solvent, were sampled and sent for lab analysis. Test results confirmed the presence of methyl alcohol, a highly toxic substance.
Modus Operandi
During interrogation, the accused revealed that they had been transporting methyl alcohol from Karnataka under the guise of mix solvent without a valid licence. They supplied it to paint shops in and around Lucknow where it was sold as thinner. Some individuals were reportedly using the chemical in petrol mixtures, posing severe health and safety hazards.
A case has been registered against the accused at Sarojini Nagar Police Station under Lucknow Commissionerate. Further investigations are underway to uncover the full extent of the racket and apprehend the absconding suspect.
