Bhubaneswar, March 17: The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) Supply Department launched a major crackdown on illegal LPG cylinder trade in the city, seizing a large number of cylinders and sealing two shops.

The crackdown was carried out in the presence of a magistrate and police, targeting outlets allegedly involved in black marketing. Officials have also begun an investigation to trace the source of the illegally procured cylinders. Two shop owners have gone absconding, and efforts are underway to apprehend them.

Acting on the direction of the District Supply Officer, raids were conducted at multiple locations, including Samantarapur and Lewis Road, where gas agencies were inspected.

Based on specific inputs, a six-member team led by CSO Gyanendra Mishra, with support from Commissionerate Police, conducted a raid at a gas godown in Chandrasekharpur BDA Colony. As the premises were locked, officials broke open the shop in the presence of a magistrate. A total of 49 illegal cylinders, including 29 commercial and 20 domestic, were seized and later handed over to an authorised agency. The godown was subsequently sealed.

In a separate raid at Niladri Vihar Sector-3, officials seized 45 cylinders along with equipment used for illegal refilling, including motors and gas stoves. The shop was also sealed.

Officials said further investigation is underway, and strict action will be taken against those involved in the illegal trade.