Belthangady: Theft of fuel from pipeline detected, police probe underway

Theft of fuel from a petroleum pipeline was detected at Puduvettu in Belthangady.

Rajan, the Neriya station in charge of pipeline operator Petronet M H B Ltd., registered a complaint at the Dharmasthala police station regarding the theft.

According to the complaint, the pipeline transported petroleum products from Mangaluru to Bengaluru. Between March 16 and 19, unidentified persons drilled into the pipeline at Aladka in Puduvettu village and fixed a 2.5-inch HDPE pipe. It is estimated that close to 12,000 liters of fuel approximately worth Rs 9.60 lakhs was siphoned off.

The thieves had dug 3 feet into the earth to reach the pipeline and drilled a hole into the main pipeline.

Police suspect the involvement of a large-scale fuel theft ring behind the act. It is also suspected that locals were involved in the operation.

Police are currently investigating the matter.