Belagavi Police said that they have busted a diesel smuggling racket by recovering fuel worth over ₹17 lakh.
Acting on a tip-off, a team led by Police Inspector B.R. Gaddekar, intercepted a diesel tanker travelling from Mumbai to Bengaluru via Belagavi.
The officers found that the vehicle was carrying petroleum products without valid documents.
The police recovered over 17,000 litres of diesel along with the tanker, together valued at around ₹17 lakh.
They identified the owner as M. Arihant from Tumakuru. But officers suspected that some residents of Maharashtra and Rajasthan are also involved in the offence.
Investigators suspected that the tankers illegally diverted fuel from ports to traders and sold it for lesser prices. This was damaging the market and causing losses to the State and Union governments.
Police Commissioner Bhushan Borase stated that a detailed investigation is under way. Two teams have been formed for the purpose. Officers may be sent to Mumbai and Rajasthan to trace the offenders, he added.
Published – January 21, 2026 07:51 pm IST
