Mahasamund : A sensational case of major LPG gas theft has come to light in the district. The owner of Thakur Petrochemicals is accused of stealing and selling 90 metric tons of LPG gas worth approximately ₹1.5 crore. An employee of the company has been arrested, while the owner and director are absconding. The entire incident occurred in the Singhora police station area.

In fact, in December 2025, the police seized six gas capsule trucks carrying 90 metric tons of LPG. Due to the lack of security at the police station and the potential for an accident, the administration handed these trucks over to the company for safekeeping. However, taking advantage of this trust, the company management hatched a conspiracy to steal the gas.

The gas was emptied at the plant and then sold in the market.
According to information, on March 30, 2026, the trucks were handed over to the company in the presence of the Food Department. The trucks were then taken to the plant in Abhanpur, Raipur. Here, the gas was emptied into the plant's bullet tanks within eight days. After filling the tanks, the remaining gas was filled into private tankers and cylinders and sold in the market.

It is alleged that the gas was filled into domestic and commercial cylinders and sold to various agencies without proper bills. Later, the company informed the administration that the gas had leaked.

Investigation reveals a major scam.
Police and experts concluded that such a large gas leak was impossible. Documents also revealed that the company had sold significantly more gas than it had purchased. In April, sales of 107 tons were recorded, compared to 47 tons purchased, confirming the scam.

Attempt to destroy evidence, staff arrested
During the investigation, the company has also been accused of destroying documents and concealing records. Police have arrested company employee Nikhil Vaishnav, while the main accused, Santosh Singh Thakur, and other directors remain at large. Their search is ongoing.

Police have seized seven tankers, four bullet tanks, 100 cylinders, and numerous documents in connection with the case. Officials say the entire network is being investigated and the absconding suspects will be arrested soon.