Hyderabad: An illegal gas cylinder racket was busted in Banjara Hills, with police arresting 10 persons and seizing 414 cylinders along with vehicles during a raid on March 30, 2026.
The Commissioner’s Task Force, Jubilee Hills Zone team, along with Banjara Hills police, conducted the operation near a graveyard at Nagarjuna X Road following credible information. Officials said the accused were illegally stocking and selling gas cylinders at inflated prices to customers.
The prime accused, Mohd Aamir (42), was running a gas agency and allegedly diverted cylinders for illegal sale. Police said he operated with the help of delivery workers, drivers and labourers.
During the raid, officials seized cylinders of different capacities, including 47 kg, 19 kg and 5 kg units, both filled and empty. Several vehicles used for transportation were also confiscated. The total value of seized property was estimated at ₹21.88 lakh.
An illegal gas cylinder racket operated through dumping and black market sales
Investigators said the accused had been dumping cylinders at the graveyard site and later selling them on the black market. This violated safety norms and regulatory guidelines governing LPG distribution.
Police added that the accused exploited supply gaps by charging higher prices to customers in need. The operation revealed organised coordination among multiple individuals involved in storage, transport and sale.
The raid was carried out under the supervision of Task Force officials, including Inspector Ch Yadendar and Sub-Inspector D Ravi Raj, along with their team and Banjara Hills police.
Further investigation is underway to identify additional links and ensure strict legal action against those involved in the illegal gas cylinder racket.