Ludhiana: An illegal gas refilling racket involving the transfer of LPG from domestic and industrial cylinders was uncovered in Ludhiana’s Moti Nagar area. A man has been arrested for allegedly attacking a government inspection team and obstructing officials from performing their duty. Police have also recovered seven large and seven small gas cylinders from the spot, while efforts are underway to arrest the remaining accused.

According to the police, the case was registered on the complaint of Nitin Kalia, an official of the Assistant Food and Supplies Department, Corporation Zone-D, Sarabha Nagar.

Inspection Team Reached Spot After Receiving Complaint

The complainant stated that on July 17, 2026, the department received information about illegal LPG refilling activities in the Moti Nagar area. Acting on the tip-off, a team comprising Inspector Maninder Pal Singh Khurana, Jatinder Kapil, Ajay Kumar, Davinder Singh, Parvinder Laddhar and other officials conducted a raid at the location.

Illegal Transfer of LPG from Domestic and Industrial Cylinders Alleged

During the inspection, the team found Chandan Sahni present at his shop. Officials allegedly recovered domestic and industrial LPG cylinders along with plastic pipes and a gas transfer nozzle being used for illegal refilling. When questioned, the accused failed to provide a satisfactory explanation regarding the equipment and cylinders.

Government Team Allegedly Attacked During Seizure

According to the complaint, when officials began loading the seized gas cylinders into a government vehicle, Chandan Sahni, Shekhar Sahni, Kamred Ansari and six to seven unidentified persons reached the spot. They allegedly attempted to stop the officials from carrying out the seizure and attacked the government vehicle, obstructing the team in the discharge of its official duties.

One Arrested, 14 Gas Cylinders Recovered

Following the registration of the case, police arrested Chandan Sahni, a resident of Vishwakarma Colony, Ludhiana. Based on his disclosure, seven large and seven small gas cylinders were recovered. Raids are being conducted to arrest the remaining accused.

Case Registered Under BNS and Essential Commodities Act

Moti Nagar Police have registered a case against the accused under Sections 132, 221, 191(3) and 190 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with Section 7 of the Essential Commodities Act.

Police said the investigation is ongoing. Authorities are also trying to ascertain how long the illegal gas refilling operation had been running and identify other individuals involved. Further legal action will be taken based on the findings of the investigation.