Paradip/Bhubaneswar: The Paradip Marine Police have busted a well-organised inter-state racket involved in illegally siphoning thousands of litres of diesel from cargo ships anchored in deep-sea zones off the Odisha coast.
According to sources, a police team led by Paradip Additional SP Ajinkya Mane intercepted a suspicious motor-operated fishing boat mid-sea near the Nehru Bangla fishing harbour and seized 3,500 litres of diesel, which was allegedly being illegally transported. One fisherman, identified as Sunnapalli Neelayya of Srikakulam district in Andhra Pradesh and currently residing at Sandhakuda area in Paradip was arrested, while two associates fled the scene.
Police have launched a manhunt for his two accomplices and th
e suspected mastermind of the operation.
The syndicate was allegedly siphoning high-density diesel from anchored cargo ships in deep waters, often with the connivance of certain ship masters and crew members. The stolen fuel was then transported via fishing boats to shore for sale in the black market. Fishing vessels reportedly served as a cover for these illegal activities. “An organised interstate crime syndicate is behind this racket,” Mane told mediapersons.
In addition to diesel, illegal trafficking network allegedly facilitated exchanges of suspicious commodities, including pre-activated SIM cards, meat supplies, vegetables, liquor, narcotic substances, and possible cash.
He emphasised that marine patrolling has been intensified to prevent such incidents, and strict action will be taken against all involved parties. Investigations are ongoing to trace the wider network, financial transactions, and links to other individuals.
A case has been registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including Sections 303(2) and 317(2). The seized boat and other materials have been confiscated.