Illegal stockpile of 403 gas cylinders found in closed company in Waluj MIDC

Lokmat News Network

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar:

A massive stash of 403 gas cylinders was discovered on Tuesday afternoon in a closed company located in Sector C-88 of Waluj MIDC, triggering alarm across the industrial zone. The raid was part of a government-directed inspection of inactive and non-operational units, conducted jointly by MIDC officials and the police.

The company, Aegis Ampules, was found to be storing a large number of commercial gas cylinders despite no ongoing production. Industrial regulations prohibit such storage of commercial gas cylinders on plots, making this a serious violation. During the inspection, cylinders were found stacked at multiple locations within the premises, including inside a loading rickshaw. Preliminary investigation revealed that all 403 cylinders were empty, though the reason for amassing such a large quantity in one location remains unclear.

MIDC officials immediately coordinated with the Waluj MIDC Police Station, and a joint operation was conducted. The premises, along with the cylinders, were sealed. The supply office is scheduled to inspect the documentation tomorrow. Initial reports indicate that the company is owned by Ayub Gaffar Syed, while the cylinders reportedly belong to Alim Syed of Fatima Bharat Gas Agency in Waluj MIDC.

Suspicion of black market activity

Authorities have indicated the possibility of regulatory violations and a potential link to the black-market trade of gas cylinders. The case is still under investigation, and filing a formal police complaint was ongoing at the time of reporting.

The discovery on the first day of the MIDC’s campaign to inspect closed companies has heightened administrative vigilance. MIDC Regional Manager Ashok Rasal, along with officials Ramkrishna Gore, Sunil Sonawane, Ashok Kalanke, Raju Magre, and police personnel including PSI Pravin Patharkar and constables Sandeep Tagad, Vaibhav Gaikwad, Nitin Iname, and Samadhan Patil, were present during the raid.

Officials’ Statement

MIDC officer Ashok Rasal said, “Storing commercial gas cylinders on an industrial plot in this manner is illegal and a violation of rules. The company has been sealed along with the cylinders. The supply office will verify the documents tomorrow.”