A case has been registered against six staff members of a CNG pump in Dhanivbaug, Nalasopara (East), in Palghar district for allegedly assaulting a government officer and overcharging customers, police said.
The Pelhar police filed the FIR after a raid conducted by Bhagwat Sonar, a Food Supply Inspection Officer from Vasai, who had visited the pump on Saturday afternoon following multiple complaints of overcharging.
During the inspection, Sonar allegedly found that customers were being charged Rs 30 to Rs 50 more per refill than the fixed government rate. When he questioned the staff about the alleged irregularity, the situation reportedly turned hostile.
According to the complaint, the staff argued with the officer, disobeyed his instructions and behaved aggressively. Sonar also alleged that his movement was restricted and that he was physically assaulted during the incident. A video recorded by him reportedly shows the employees confronting him in an aggressive manner.
He further alleged that one of the staff members helped another accused flee the spot after he was allegedly involved in collecting excess cash from customers.
Following the incident, Sonar informed the Pelhar police, who reached the location and intervened. He said the raid was carried out after repeated complaints from customers and claimed the staff may have been taking advantage of rumours about a possible CNG shortage to overcharge people.
Sonar also said the action taken report would be sent to the state government with a proposal to cancel the pump’s licence. Police said further investigation is currently underway to determine the extent of the malpractice and whether more individuals were involved in the racket.