A major attempt to smuggle diesel fuel was thwarted in Netrokona’s Purbadhala upazila, where local residents intercepted a covered van transporting large quantities of illicit fuel and handed over three individuals to the police. In total, 1,050 litres of diesel were seized during the operation.
The incident occurred at approximately 6:00 a.m. on Thursday (23 April) in the Atkapara area. According to local accounts, the fuel had been loaded from the Giripath Filling Station situated along the Shyamganj–Durgapur road and was being transported in a covered van and a pickup vehicle, allegedly bound for Mymensingh.
Suspicion arose among residents when they noticed unusual movement of fuel containers early in the morning. Acting swiftly, a group of locals stopped both vehicles and detained those involved until police arrived at the scene.
Three men were arrested in connection with the incident and later handed over to law enforcement authorities. They have been identified as:
| Name | Age | Alleged Role |
|---|---|---|
| Choton Mia | 35 | Vehicle attendant/handler |
| Shামীম Ahmed | 40 | Transport associate |
| Mofizul Islam | 35 | Logistics coordinator |
Eyewitnesses reported that approximately 1,000 litres of diesel were stored in five drums inside the covered van, while an additional 50 litres were found in a pickup vehicle. Locals stated that such covert fuel movements are not uncommon in the area, often taking place under the cover of night or early dawn hours.
One resident, speaking on condition of anonymity, claimed that fuel is regularly siphoned and transported illegally, suggesting a pattern of repeated activity that had gone largely unchecked until Thursday’s intervention.
Following the seizure, police from Purbadhala Police Station conducted a formal operation at the site and confirmed the recovery of 1,050 litres of diesel. Authorities subsequently launched an investigation into the supply chain and transportation network involved in the incident.
Later, the Upazila Executive Officer (UNO), Tasnim Jahan, arrived at the scene and conducted a mobile court session. Under Section 20 of the Petroleum Act 2016, the manager of the filling station, identified as Hasan, was fined 10,000 taka for his involvement in the illegal fuel transfer. In default of payment, a 15-day simple imprisonment order was issued.
Officials have stated that further legal action is under consideration, and monitoring of fuel distribution channels in the region will be strengthened to prevent similar incidents in the future. The incident has also raised concerns about regulatory oversight and the potential involvement of organised networks in fuel smuggling operations.