Sonawane murder: crackdown begins on oil mafia

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Nasik: As government officers across Maharashtra go on a strike to protest against the murder of Malegaon Additional District Collector Yahswant Sonawane and the 11 suspects cool their heels in custody, CNN-IBN traveled to Manmad to unearth how the oil mafia runs its business in Maharashtra.

Sonawne was burnt to death near Hotel Sagar, a dingy looking and seemingly insignificant dhaba situated on a secluded road, a few kilometers away from Manmad. Such locations are safe heaven for the fuel mafia operating in and around Nasik.

Manmad has major oil depots which supply fuel to at least 12 districts of north Maharashtra and Marathawada.

Click to play videoNasik: As government officers across Maharashtra go on a strike to protest against the murder of Malegaon Additional District Collector Yahswant Sonawane and the 11 suspects cool their heels in custody, CNN-IBN traveled to Manmad to unearth how the oil mafia runs its business in Maharashtra.

Sonawne was burnt to death near Hotel Sagar, a dingy looking and seemingly insignificant dhaba situated on a secluded road, a few kilometers away from Manmad. Such locations are safe heaven for the fuel mafia operating in and around Nasik.

Manmad has major oil depots which supply fuel to at least 12 districts of north Maharashtra and Marathawada.

Everyday an average of 300 tankers are filled at the place and secured with an advanced lock before being dispatched. The hotspots for fuel smuggling cartels are Panewadi, Chandwad, Dhule and several halts at Nasik-Mumbai highway.

Fuel mafia gangs such as that of Popat, the prime suspect in the Sonawane burning case, have a tie up ! transpor ters and security guards posted at the oil companies. Once the tankers leave with fuel, a racketeer's network is alerted.

Instead of heading directly for the consumer, the tankers are driven to the transfer points. Once on the transfer point, about 25 to 40 liters of fuel are pilfered from every tanker. On an average roughly about 5000 liters are stolen per day from approximately 200 fuel tankers.

The petrol is then mixed with kerosene, which is cheaper, before being sent in the market for final consumption. Usually this mixed fuel is sold at various petrol pumps at cheaper rates.

According to Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavhan, fuel theft is a major challenge for the state government.

However, following Sonawane murder incident, Maharashtra Home Minister RR Patil has ordered police departments across the state to crackdown on the fuel mafia and provide assistance to raiding parties on priority.