Brijesh Garodi
Daijiworld Media Network- Mangalore (BG)

Mangalore, Jun 6: The food and civil supplies department along with the Pandeshwar police on Thursday June 6 raided a shed at Hoige Bazaar and seized 1855 liters of unauthorized blue kerosene which was meant for distribution among the poor.

Sources say that Damodhar Karkera, the owner of the shed has absconded. The illegal stock was stored at Bhagath Singh road, Hoige Bazaar.

It is learnt that the stock of kerosene was illegally stored during the monsoon season and sold to the boat owners who lived nearby. Nearly 36 barrels, including a few empty ones were seized from the spot. Approximately 90 liters of mixed diesel fuel were also found at the venue.  

The raid was led by Charan Basappa, deputy director, food and civil supplies; Suresh Kumar, assistant director, food and civil supplies along with the Pandeshwar SI Sidappa and staff.

Pandeshwar police have registered a case, but no arrest has been made so far.

An interesting fact that has come to light is that this place was raided earlier as well, on June 6, 2012, that is exactly a year later. Some of the locals have also claimed that there is a highly influential grasp of people and the departments, as the owner has continued this illegal business even after continuous raids.