“The crude oil that reaches the refineries via port and converted into various petroleum products and petrol and diesel are being transported to various petrol bunks through tankers. However, the lorry drivers steal the fuel to sell it for cheaper rates to make a quick buck,” said the inspector.

In Tuesday’s operation, the police seized 400 litres of fuel which they pilfered from the tankers and kept it in three barrels. Two tanker lorries were also seized, the police said. The accused were identified as drivers Gnanavel and Balamurugan, and their helpers Paramasivam, Perumal, Ramesh and Suresh. Based on their inputs, a truck owner has also been arrested and further investigation is on.

However, residents of the villages in the neighbourhood complaint the pilfering has been happening for several years and added that it is not possible without the help of authorities involved.

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