DIMAPUR, JULY 6 (MExN): Against Corruption and Unabated Taxation (ACAUT) Nagaland on Wednesday has alleged that the kingpins of the fuel adulteration racket were also SK Oil agents. Out of the alleged six main accused involved in the fuel racket, three are SK Oil agents operating under power of attorney, ACAUT media cell claimed in a press release.
Quoting sources from the Food and Civil Supplies Department, ACAUT said agencies for SK Oil were awarded to these people of interest for decades without resorting to transparent and open tendering processes.
Therefore, it comes as no surprise that out of the approximate 14,00,000 (14 lakh) litre of SK Oil allotted to the Nagaland State per month as quota, several lakh litre are diverted to the black market where it is mainly utilized for fuel adulteration purpose, ACAUT maintained.
Also pointing out that the petrol pumps/fuel outlets are the distributing points for SK Oil, ACAUT alleged that in most cases, the fuel outlet owners end up as SK oil agents as well.
ACAUT also clarified that Lalmohan, proprietor of five petrol pumps, is not the owner of any of the six fuel adulteration units busted on June 27, and there is no reason to believe that his fuel outlets are selling adulterated fuel unless proven otherwise.
Therefore, while Lalmohan, Nirmal Jain, PCTC and Sumit Jain should not be linked to the now busted six fuel adulteration units, ACAUT demanded that the police and the state government immediately probe the connection between SK Oil agents and the overall fuel adulteration issue since the core issue is diversion of SK Oil for adulteration purpose.
ACAUT said the non-transparency in awarding SK Oil license for the last 10 to 15 years is the chief reason why fuel adulteration is taking place and therefore, the government should be held directly responsible.
