Surat police have busted a chemical theft racket that allegedly siphoned industrial consignments from tankers on a highway near the city, arresting three people and seizing chemicals, vehicles and equipment valued at around Rs 1.20 crore. Three other suspects, identified as tanker drivers, are absconding, police said.
The operation was conducted by Jahangirpura police on Wednesday after investigators uncovered an alleged network targeting tankers carrying industrial chemicals in transit. The stolen material was reportedly removed from the tankers and diverted for illegal sale.
The arrested accused have been identified as Ladu alias Lokesh Khatik, Suresh Khatik and Shahrukh Makrani. Police said the three absconding suspects were drivers of the tankers from which the chemicals were allegedly stolen. Their suspected role indicates that investigators are examining whether access to the consignments was facilitated from within the transport chain.
Police seized two tankers containing chemicals, a mini truck allegedly used to transport the stolen material, two 200-litre plastic containers and mobile phones during the raid. The seized vehicles and storage containers are being examined as part of the investigation into how the chemicals were removed, stored and moved without immediate detection.
A case has been registered under provisions relating to negligent conduct involving explosive substances and combustible matter, dishonestly receiving stolen property, criminal breach of trust and theft. The accused have also been booked under the Explosives Act for alleged unauthorised possession, use, sale or transport of explosive substances, police said.
The case highlights the security and safety risks involved in moving industrial chemicals through the road freight network around Surat, where tankers and other vehicles transport material to and from manufacturing and processing facilities. The police investigation is focused on establishing the full supply chain rather than only the point at which the chemicals were allegedly removed.
Investigators are now working to identify possible buyers of the stolen chemicals and determine the role of the absconding suspects. Police records show that Ladulal and Suresh had previously been arrested in cases involving the theft of valuables during transportation.
Further investigation is underway, with police continuing efforts to trace the three absconding tanker drivers and establish the complete network involved in the alleged pilferage operation.
