Image Source: Tamil Janam
Madurai authorities have invoked preventive detention laws against two men accused of hoarding and illegally selling large quantities of LPG cylinders, marking the first instance in Tamil Nadu where such action has been taken in connection with gas cylinder hoarding.
As reported in The New Indian Express, officials from the Civil Supplies Criminal Investigation Department (CSCID) conducted a raid on Wednesday at a vacant site near Kovilpappakudi Athalai in Madurai. During the operation, they seized 209 LPG cylinders, including 100 subsidised domestic cylinders and 109 commercial cylinders.
Palani, 46, the son of Mayan, was arrested at the spot during the raid.
Following the initial seizure, CSCID officials carried out a further search near the residence of V Madhankumar, 27, in Anandam Nagar. This operation led to the confiscation of another 189 cylinders, consisting of 63 subsidised domestic cylinders and 126 commercial cylinders.
In total, officials seized 398 LPG cylinders from the two locations.
Separate cases were registered against the accused under the Essential Commodities Act, after which both individuals were arrested.
Based on recommendations from CSCID officials and a proposal submitted by Superintendent of Police Srinivasa Perumal, Madurai District Collector KJ Praveenkumar ordered their preventive detention under the Prevention of Blackmarketing and Maintenance of Supplies of Essential Commodities Act.
Officials reported that Palani and Madhankumar were lodged in Madurai Central Prison on Thursday following the detention order.
Authorities stated that this marks the first time in Tamil Nadu that preventive detention provisions commonly referred to as the Goondas Act framework have been applied in a case involving the hoarding of LPG cylinders.
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